Exiles must respect Sri Lankans, says prop

Matt Jones - Editor 03:44 08/09/2016
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  • Kristian Stinson (r) is warning Exiles just to focus on the basics and not worry about running up the score

    Dubai Exiles head into tomorrow’s final Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League fixture knowing exactly what they need to do against Kandy – but prop Kristian Stinson doesn’t necessarily believe that is an advantage.

    Exiles played out a exciting 23-23 draw in the opening game of the tournament with UAE rivals Abu Dhabi Harlequins at The Sevens last Friday.

    Fly-half Durandt Gerber’s late penalty rescued Exiles after three points from the boot of counterpart Luke Stevenson with time ticking down looked like it had snatched victory for the men from the capital.

    Quins crushed Kandy 56-17 at Zayed Sports City on Tuesday evening, throwing down the gauntlet to Jacques Benade’s UAE Premiership and Wets Asia Championship-winning side.

    Exiles know if they better that score they will pick up the first piece of silverware of the season, but Stinson says he and his team-mates need to focus.

    “Knowing what we need to do is a bit of a double edged sword,” said the Northern Irishman, who was a key component of a squad that enjoyed a stellar 2015/16.

    Stinson was a vital component of Exiles' success last season

    Stinson was a vital component of Exiles’ success last season

    “In one sense it’s great to have a target but in another sense we can’t let chasing a score affect our structures and gameplan.

    “We just have to turn up ready for a tough game as Kandy will throw everything at us, hopefully we win the game first and then let the rest of it takes care of itself.”

    Under South African Benade, Exiles returned to domestic prominence last season. Quins took the first trophy of the season when they retained their Gulf Men’s League title at the Dubai Sevens in December.

    But from January Exiles were virtually unstoppable, winning seven of eight WAC games on their way to the title. They only lost once in 10 Premiership matches to again finished ahead of runners-up Quins and claim the double.

    A large part of their success was based on Benade being able to count on selecting a consistent 15.

    Players like Stinson, Gerber, scrum-half Ed Armitage, flanker Matt Mills, second row Rhinus Bothma, winger Charlie Sargent and Number 8 and captain Glenn Moore hardly missed a minute.

    They have recruited well over the summer though and Stinson claims he and every other player is aware they cannot take their place for granted.

    “First and foremost the performance (against Kandy) will be the most important thing because there are a lot of guys pushing for a place for when the season starts.

    “So each of us need to put in a good performance to put our hands up for selection and, in turn, that should lead to a good team performance.

    “If we get a trophy at the end of it then that’s a nice bonus, but the important thing is putting In a good team performance.”

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