UAE national team coach Roelof Kotze was upbeat following his side’s 36-31 defeat to a touring Lloyd’s RFC last night.

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Kotze said the physical test posed to his newly assembled side was exactly what the UAE needed ahead of their trip to Malaysia next week where they will play the hosts, as well as Thailand and Chinese Taipei, in Division II of the Asia Rugby Championships.

Lloyd’s matched the UAE in the physicality department in what was a fierce and energy-sapping friendly, and the South African coach doesn’t expect such 
brutal tests in Kuala Lumpur in a few weeks.

“It was good to have a tough game,” said Kotze. “We could have played a club side and put 40/50 points on them, but what is the purpose?

“I’m very happy with this game. I don’t think we’re going to get a hard game like this (in the Asia Rugby Championship). They were very physical and had a massive front row. 

“From what we’ve seen on the video, I don’t see Malaysia, Thailand or Chinese Taipei with a pack like these guys. 

“It was a good game for us. We lost by five but that was not really it for us, it was about the process, getting sorted for Malaysia. 

“As an exercise it was very much worthwhile and the guys are positive.

“We need competition and this was good for us. I’m very, very happy with the quality of the side that came out.”

The two sides went toe to toe with each other, both up front and with each set of backs showing some promise, and Kotze believed the prowess of his pack will be too much for the trio of teams awaiting the UAE in Kuala Lumpur.

He said: “Our starting pack is very big and mobile and that’s what we’re hoping to do, we hope the likes of Malaysia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei will come off second best like we did tonight. 

“We’re hoping to switch sides around but at the same time have the hammer. If we get stuck use the hammer and punch it through the middle.”