The UAE suffered a reversal of their usual problems after a bright start to the second leg of the Asia Rugby Under-20 Asian Sevens Series turned disastrous Friday.
Getting out of the blocks is what has tripped the youngsters up in recent tournaments, but Roelof Kotze’s side started strongly in Hong Kong Friday with a 17-12 triumph over Sri Lanka, the team that had knocked them out at the quarter-finals a week previously in Malaysia.
What followed would have disappointed the South African though, the UAE beaten badly by their nemesis, Malaysia (40-12), and China (31-7) in their next two Pool B fixtures.
For skipper Adel Al Hendi, it felt almost as if the Sri Lanka result had been for nothing. “We learnt that we can almost compete with the best teams on the circuit,” said the Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ winger.
“We know how to play and we play very well, and we improved from last weekend’s tournament. Our defensive shape was working, we just need to keep implementing it. Everyone was enthusiastic for the first game. We came out firing which was a change from previous tournaments, as we usually start slow.
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“The problem we have is we play well one game and we think the job’s done, forgetting there are still games left as well as another day of knockout rugby.”
Al Hendi scored his first try of the Series in the Sri Lanka victory, with Kip Chirchir scoring his fifth in seven games, Jeremaia Kilicanasau also touching down.
Chirchir made it six in eight with a try against Malaysia, Tomasi Tirikula grabbing the second, fellow Al Ain Ambler Devante Steele getting the only try in defeat to China.
Al Hendi feels the UAE had the toughest pool, although it doesn’t get any easier today – the UAE face Malaysia leg winners Hong Kong in the last eight.
“We did have the hardest pool. I’d say the best sides were in it apart from Hong Kong,” said the 20-year-old.
“I’m excited to see how today goes and hopefully the rest of the boys are too.”