Saracens coach Craig Nutt expects ‘war’ against Harlequins in Abu Dhabi derby

Harlequins, in green/red/white and Saracens, black and red, shown during a UAE Premiership match last month. Delores Johnson / The National / September 24, 2015

ABU DHABI // Craig Nutt, the Abu Dhabi Saracens player-coach, says his resurgent side are steeled for a “war” against Harlequins, their city rivals, on Friday evening.

The two capital clubs hold all the major domestic titles between them– the UAE Premiership, Dubai Sevens (both Harlequins) and the Gulf Top Six (Saracens).

Bragging rights belong to Harlequins, though, since their 24-3 win on the opening night of the season back in September.There was a rash of cards – yellow and red – meted out when the two sides met in the reverse fixture at Zayed Sports City last season.

Nutt believes the rematch at Al Ghazal this evening is likely to be similarly combustible.

“It is always a war, and I don’t expect it to be anything other than close,” said Nutt, the Saracens tighthead prop. “It is the same in any derby in any country you will play in, it is about bragging rights throughout the city, and this city is very small.

“Most people play rugby to be the best.

“This is the most intense game we play every year, apart from when we face Doha.

“We are both very physical teams.

“You rarely see a high scoring game, it is all about who wins the physical dominance. I think that is what makes this game a big one.”

Harlequins were comfortable victors in the opening game, and remain undefeated.

After a testing start to their campaign, Nutt believes Saracens are edging back towards their best form following a run of victories.

“It was the same type of thing as last season, having some teething problems with lots of newcomers and working out how we were going to play,” he said.

“The last couple of weeks it has been getting gradually better and better.

“We hope to continue improving this week.”

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