Although most coaches might downplay such encounters at what is still an early part of the tournament, both Jacques Benade and Aaron Palmer know the result could make or break title aspirations.
“It’s the biggest game of our season so far,” said Benade. “Doha are playing some unbelievable rugby. To go to Saracens and score four tries there shows what a good team they are and they’re the team to beat at the moment. It’s a huge game for us.”
Benade has lock Rhinus Bothma back, while he will choose between UAE player Justin Walsh, Joe McCarry or Jumeirah College student Tom Stapley, who starred in victory against Bahrain two weeks ago, at centre, with compatriot Kenneth du Plessis having returned to South Africa for a new job.
New Zealander Palmer is holding the game in equally high regard.
“This is the test match and all previous results count for nothing for us,” he said. “We’ll be coming with the mentality that this is our season on the line here.”
Palmer is likely to start with largely the same team who were given a scare by Dubai Hurricanes last week, although he is expecting some absentees.
Abu Dhabi Harlequins, meanwhile, will look to extend Al Ain Amblers’ miserable run and record a second straight win after only opening their campaign last week with a 48-14 win in Muscat.
“We are looking to step up a gear and the boys have shown that in training this week,” said head coach Mike McFarlane. “We have high expectations of each other, coaches and players alike, and we will continually look to exceed those.”
Livewire Max Trimble returns from a hamstring injury suffered after the Dubai Sevens, while prop James MaCauley has recovered from a calf injury. Phil Brady also returns, as does Renier Els who ran last week’s Dubai Marathon.
Amblers’ injury woes continue, although head coach Andrew Rouvi is not making any excuses.
“This week will be another big challenge for us, we will need to start well and build our game at our pace,” he said. “Defence will be critical, they are a well drilled side so we will need to be on our game.”