Exiles ready for ‘massive game’ against Harlequins

Dubai Exiles coach Jacques Benade said all clubs in the region measure themselves against Abu Dhabi Harlequins and predicts a “massive” encounter with them today, at The Sevens, Dubai, one that could have a significant bearing on where the West Asia Premiership title ends up.

The side from the capital hold a two-point advantage at the top of the table over their hosts. Harlequins have three matches remaining in their title defence, which also gives them a game in hand on second-placed Exiles. Jebel Ali Dragons are level on points with Exiles, while Bahrain are also within striking distance, two points farther back.

Fixtures between Exiles and Harlequins have tended to be pivotal in the title race in recent times. The Dubai club did the double two seasons ago and their Abu Dhabi counterparts claimed a clean-sweep of trophies last time around.

“I think if you want to be a champion you have to go and beat Quins,” Benade said. “Then you can say, ‘Yes, we are successful’. We see it as a massive game.”

Exiles lost ground at the top when they fell to a 19-11 defeat in Bahrain on Friday, and Benade wants a reaction from his side.

“We have to get better because Harlequins are a top side. Quins are the club that I think we all look up to and say, ‘This is where we want to be, we want to be competitive every week, and competing for all the cups at the end of the season’,” Benade said.

The fact Harlequins are still setting the benchmark in Arabian Gulf rugby is quite some feat, given the troubles that have afflicted the club since they hauled five major trophies last season. Last summer they lost their major sponsor, and a number of their all-conquering side left.

Even since the start of the campaign they have lost key personnel, such as captain Ben Bolger, Phil Abraham, and most recently Emosi Vecanuau, to either season- or career-ending injury.

“To have so many new faces. To have to change structures to suit the personnel, and then to embed that culture that we have always had, in such a short space of time, has been really impressive,” Harlequins coach Mike McFarlane said. “But the league is so strong, with other sides acquiring new players, and with our financial situation, it is a great position for us to be in.”

McFarlane is also anticipating a highly physical encounter between sides that have always been fierce rivals.

“They are well aware it is a massive game, because of the rivalry, where we both are in the table, and previous encounters,” McFarlane said. “It advertises the league well, having two big clubs going at it.

“Exiles have a quality, physical pack with a good setpiece. They are organised, so it will be a big test for us.”