ABU DHABI // Mike McFarlane says his Abu Dhabi Harlequins side will have to be at their best to beat Kandy on Tuesday night, after being irked at the way the tourists have been underestimated ahead of the West Asia Champions League.
The Sri Lankan champions are the only non-UAE side in a tournament purportedly created to decide the leading team in West Asia.
Some suggested the tournament winners would be decided by the opening game between Harlequins and Dubai Exiles.
More local rugby
• Paul Radley: First blood will have to wait between Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Dubai Exiles
• In pictures: Dubai Exiles and Abu Dhabi Harlequins deadlock in West Asia contest
After that ended in a 23-23 draw on Friday in Dubai, the implication was that the UAE sides would be competing to put the most points on Kandy to win the trophy.
However, that grossly undervalues the merit of the travelling side, according to McFarlane, the Harlequins coach.
Sri Lanka’s national team are ranked No 40 in the world, 33 places above the UAE, and they are supported by a popular club game.
The Abu Dhabi side have first-hand experience of Kandy’s rugby pedigree, too. On a pre-season tour to the Sri Lankan highlands last season, they were hosted by Tuesday’s opponents.
“When we were over there it was a fantastic experience, from playing in another country to the crowd they were able to draw in,” McFarlane said.
“It was just brilliant. They have a cracking stadium over there in Kandy, and they managed to fill it.
“They had posters up around town, and we had to be police escorted in. They are fanatical, and it was an absolutely great atmosphere.
“I think it’s disrespectful that the media and some of the boys from other clubs think it is going to come down to who can beat them by the most points.”
Even though the big rugby match is by far the secondary sporting event in the capital for Tuesday evening, as it clashes with UAE’s football World Cup qualifier against Australia, McFarlane is hopeful there will still be a sizable turnout.
The match they had in Kandy last summer drew an attendance that far exceeded anything like those that usually watch UAE Premiership matches, despite it being a low-key friendly.
And in the decisive match in the Champions League 12 months ago – a defeat to Doha – Kandy had many followers at The Sevens, Dubai.
McFarlane is optimistic about his side’s chances, after being cheered by their showing against Exiles at the weekend.
Harlequins overcame a deficit before holding the lead with 10 minutes to go, until the last play of the game when Exiles levelled with a penalty in front of the posts.
“There has not been much time to introduce any new things, but we want to cement some of the things we did on Friday,” the coach said.
“We have retained a lot of players. They bought into the structures we had last year, and we are looking to build on that rather than start again.
“The set piece went well, and overall we are happy with the performance. If you looked at the faces at full time, it told a story – one of relief and the other being gutted.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
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The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
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9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
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The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
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Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
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A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
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- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
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- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
