Geraghty adamant Quins can win the treble

Matt Jones - Editor 07:30 24/01/2017
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  • Brian Geraghty was one of three big stars to leave Quins 12 months ago.

    Brian Geraghty feels Abu Dhabi Harlequins can complete the treble this season while also going the entire season unbeaten.

    Quins blitzed under par Dubai Exiles 53-17 at The Sevens on Friday to extend their unbeaten record in 2016/17 to eight games.

    Mike McFarlane’s men secured a hat-trick of Gulf Men’s League titles at the Dubai Sevens last month and now have their sights on completing another treble by replacing Exiles as West Asia and UAE Premiership champions.

    Centre Geraghty was at the heart of Quins’ demolishing of Exiles but doesn’t feel the Zayed Sports City outfit have to prioritise success over their coveted unbeaten record.

    “In our eyes they go hand in hand,” said the Irishman.

    “We think we’re capable of winning the two competitions that are left but we feel we’re also capable of going unbeaten.

    “Last year we kind of fell down where guys fell short stepping up to first team rugby, but this year we have 20-25 guys capable of stepping up each week, and lads are pushing each other on.

    “It drives momentum and lads fighting for jerseys is the best incentive to have boys putting in eight or nine out of 10 performances each week.”

    Although Exiles have disappointingly failed to get out of first gear so far, Quins will have to remain at the top of their game to achieve their twin aims, according to Geraghty, who is expecting Doha, Bahrain and Jebel Ali Dragons to provide stern tests in the run-in.

    “You can never take anything for granted,” he added.

    “We know there are still some excellent teams left to play. We have to go away to Doha, no-one’s won there this season. Dragons can beat anyone on their day as well, so we’re not taking anything for granted.

    “We know we can’t just turn up and have to put in a performance every week to earn the victory and earn a place in the team.

    “There’s lots of competition. Every week you’re going to have a new challenge, you know you’re going to be playing a different brand. Whether it’s playing against a physical pack or spreading it wide to our backs.

    “We look at other teams of course but we try to play our own brand and not let other teams dictate the way we play.”

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