Familiar foes Doha and Bahrain meet in Qatar, with both teams grateful for last week’s break giving them time to reflect on prior defeats.

Hosts Doha suffered a first loss at Dubai Exiles two weeks ago, while Bahrain’s resurgence was halted as they lost 25-16 at Dubai Hurricanes.

“I’ve pored over the video of the Exiles game and we made too many unforced errors and were punished territorially by a good kicker,” admitted Doha head coach Aaron Palmer. “We will look to remedy that this week. We realise now it will be a tight race for the title and bonus points will be crucial.

“We needed a good week’s break after four straight games to freshen the lads up and get over some niggling injuries.”

Palmer makes one change from the Exiles game, with centre Nathan Daly coming in at 12.

Bahrain have been dealt a blow after captain Adam Wallace was ruled out for the rest of the campaign following a knee injury in defeat to Canes, but team manager Ian Davies says his team travel in good spirits.

“It’s a big match this weekend and a week off is what was needed after a few minor injuries after our last outing,” he said.

“It’s a big match in defining the standings in the league and we travel with confidence especially as we know Doha’s game plan and strengths, having played them earlier last year.”