Taif al Delamie hopes to have double cause for celebration today. After blowing out the candles on his 23rd birthday cake this morning, the Omani national, born and raised in Muscat, will line up at inside centre for the Arabian Gulf when they take on Chinese Taipei in the Five Nations Division One promotion play-off at The Sevens, ko 5.30pm. A place at Asian rugby's top table is the prize for the winner and, with it, a chance to qualify for the 2011 IRB World Cup.
Al Delamie, whose rugby career flourished due to his schooling and participation in club rugby in Ireland - the birth place of his mother - was outstanding in the Gulf's 37-17 win over Thailand on Wednesday. His side-stepping ability and telepathic relationship with Jonny MacDonald, the half-back, will be central to Bruce Birtwistle's gameplan. Delamie will head back to Ireland on Wednesday to continue his career as a personal trainer.
The Chinese won their first game, 36-24, against a second-string Sri Lanka side, who will play Thailand today in the relegation play-off. sports@thenational.ae
