Exiles and Saracens clash as UAE Premiership resumes

Matt Jones - Editor 11:16 24/03/2016
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  • Jaen Botes is one of several stars to have

    Exiles eked out a gritty 6-5 victory when the two sides met in the Premiership at Al Ghazal in October, and prop Kristian Stinson insists their standards won’t slip.

    “There’s no way we can switch off. The boys are too proud and too professional to do that,” he said.

    Sarries are at near full strength, with only Phanta Quinsil missing after breaking a hand last week. “The boys are looking forward to giving a proper account of ourselves because we let ourselves down the last time we met,” said joint-head coach Craig Nutt.

    Elsewhere, Harlequins will be looking to put the disappointment of missing out on the West Asia Championship behind them as they travel to the Garden City.

    “We’re looking forward to getting back to the Premiership and continuing our fantastic run,” said head coach Mike McFarlane ahead of their game with Al Ain Amblers, for whom lock Esekaia Dranibota returns from injury. “This game will be our toughest so far, we just know we have to compete,” said Al Ain head coach, Andrew Rouvi.

    Jebel Ali Dragons host Dubai Hurricanes tonight and Canes captain Daniel Perry insists his team want to rectify a 92-22 defeat to Exiles last week. “The lads are still hurting. We only have to wait a week to put it right and that’s what the lads are hungry to do,” he said.

    Dragons director of rugby, Paul Hart, added: “We are introducing some young players with one eye on next season. That being said it’s a derby and we are desperate to win.”

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