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UAE squad for vital Kazakh tie

UAE Rugby’s performance director Duncan Hall has named his penultimate 22-man squad in this season’s Asian Five Nations (A5N), Top Five campaign for this Friday afternoon’s home game against Kazakhstan.

The UAE entertain the Kazakhs this weekend having lost their opening two games in the competition heavily to Hong Kong (85-10) and Japan (106-3) over the past fortnight.

However, their opponents – who were also defeated 87-0 by Japan in their only outing thus far – are thought to be more suitably matched in terms of amateur status, stamina and skills sets.

The outright winner will also more than likely secure their status in the A5N, Top Five for next season, so there’s plenty at stake at 7he Sevens ground come the 4pm kick-off.

“The A5N draw to face Hong Kong and Japan in the first two weeks was playing to achieve wins against impossible odds,” admitted Australian Hall, who was capped 15 times at lock forward by the Wallabies between 1980 and 1983.

“We’ve played under enormous pressure that has led to mistakes on the field in this campaign. We have no excuses and have gained valuable experience.

“The next match against Kazakhstan is now our time to use these experiences and play with high expectations.

“We have prepared to deliver confident, effective combinations and – having been exposed to playing by far the best two sides in Asia – it has united the players more on and off the field.”

Hall hasn’t had a wealth of options at his disposal owing to the four-year residency, qualifying process, yet he’s been suitably impressed by certain characteristics of his current playing personnel.

“To move forward, we need to build on what we have available. We don’t have the luxury of a deep talent pool,” he added.

“I am proud of the commitment and attitude that has come through in many of the players, particularly over the last two weeks. These players have earned their right to represent the UAE.”

Qais Al Dhalai, UAE Rugby’s deputy secretary, commented: ‘UAE Rugby remains committed to the development of the UAE’s national team; the process involved and the team in place who have been tasked with this development.

“Regardless of Friday’s outcome, we still have to face South Korea in our final round and our resolve in this campaign will stay focused and strong.”

Meanwhile, Hall has made four changes to his starting XV, with vice captain Tim Fletcher trading places with Imad Reyal in moving up from full-back to outside centre.

John Fawls is given a rare run-out on the right wing at the expense of Sean Hurley, who drops down to the replacements’ bench, while Graham Murphy returns at loosehead prop in place of Christopher Jones-Griffiths.

alex@khaleejtimes.com

SQUAD

1). Graham Murphy (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 2). Peter Sampson (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 3). Dan Boatwright (Dubai Hurricanes). 4). Greg Thompson (Dubai Hurricanes). 5). Simon Osborne (Dubai Hurricanes). 6). Brett Williams (Dubai Exiles). 7). David Matasio (Dubai Wasps). 8). Alistair Thompson (Captain) (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 9). Patrick Hegarty (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 10). Murray Strang (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 11). Steve Smith (Dubai Hurricanes). 12). Jonathon O’Connor (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 13). Tim Fletcher (Vice captain) (Jebel Ali Dragons). 14). John Fawls (Dubai Exiles). 15). Imad Reyal (Dubai Exiles). 16). Charles Lilley (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 17). Christopher Jones-Griffiths (Abu Dhabi Dragons). 18). Tristan Barnett (Dubai Hurricanes). 19). Sam Cook (Abu Dhabi Harlequins). 20). Antoine Bertheuil (Dubai Frogs). 21). Sean Hurley (Jebel Ali Dragons). 22). Mohammed Al Sulaiman (Dubai Wasps).