DUBAI // Jebel Ali Dragons’ emergence under Henry Paul rwill face another examination on Thursday evening when they face an Abu Dhabi Saracens side still chasing a first win of the season.
The Dragons broke their own duck in the West Asia Premiership in the third week of an interrupted campaign on Friday, when they beat Dubai Hurricanes.
They had endured a chastening defeat in Bahrain on the opening day. Then the Jebel Ali side faced Al Ain Amblers in a match that was downgraded to friendly status, as the beleaguered Amblers had already withdrawn from the league after just one match.
Saracens, similarly, had had their own opening day victory against the same opposition subsequently quashed, and have yet to register a success since.
They hinted at a return to form a week ago, after only succumbing to pace-setting Abu Dhabi Harlequins by a late score.
Paul says he is aware of the threat posed by a Saracens side that boast one of the most feared forward packs in the region, and who are welcoming back Jaen Botes, their influential No 8, for the first time following a broken hand.
“A lot of the boys have played against them before and have told me their pack is great,” Paul said.
“I think we know what’s coming. We have planned at training to do our best to counteract that, and if we can keep the ball away from them, that is going to help.
“Our forwards know what is coming, and we have some experience there. Hopefully we can put some things in place that will help defuse their strengths.”
Paul is pleased by the way his side have bounced back from the thrashing they suffered in Bahrain a month ago.
“We were given a really big lesson first up,” the former England centre said.
“It was hard to take, bruising for the ego. There were no phases or continuity at all.
“It was a trying week, but it was the same for everyone. There were no excuses, but we are trying to get things right on the field now.
“We have regrouped. The title wasn’t won or lost on that first day, but we have to learn quickly from it if we are going to challenge in this league.”
Winston Cowie, the Saracens coach, says this evening’s game at Al Ghazal is “close to must-win” for two sides expecting to challenge for silverware.
“We have had a couple of false starts, but the boys really got into gear against Quins last week, and it was an outstanding performance, bar two missed tackles,” Cowie said.
“We are looking forward to building on that against the Dragons, but we’re under no illusions it is close to a must-win game for both teams to get the season on track.”
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