Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s (RFC) first XV will face the toughest test of their Rugby West Asia title credentials to date as they take on 2014/15 champions Abu Dhabi Saracens after a disappointing first defeat of the season against reigning champions Dubai Exiles two weeks ago.
After a superb victory over Jebel Ali Dragons in round one and a first away win over Dubai Hurricanes in seven seasons, Bahrain’s fairytale start to the season came to an end in what was a frustrating outing against the Exiles amid a raft of injury setbacks and the unavailability of a number of frontline players.
Despite facing into a third consecutive game on the road, the visitors will be buoyed by a surprisingly good record at the Saracens’ Al Ghazal sports grounds, where they memorable caused the shock of the opening round of last season in a 13-12 victory over the then reigning champions.
Return
Head coach Louie Tonkin will be further boosted by the return of some key players, including captain Adam Wallace and the equally inspirational Rich Wilkinson.
Last year’s try-scoring hero Oli Sanson is another welcome returnee to the front-row, where Rich Muncaster’s enforced absence sees Arron Dalgarno shift to the tighthead side, alongside Lindsey Gibson.
Wilkinson and Mark Burnell renew their partnership in the second-row, while Aidan Laxton belatedly earns his first start for the club alongside Hughie Forbes and Tommy Booth in what is Bahrain’s longest ever back-row unit.
Rob Bennett and Luke Radley continue their half-back partnership, with Wallace rejoining long-time sidekick Alastair Crombie in the centre. Greg Heath’s late fitness test means new-signing Deina Morete is thrown straight into start on the wing, alongside Bentley Halpin and Oli Luke at full-back.
On the bench, Tom Ham earns a well-deserved rest alongside fellow front-row convert Matt McKee, the Sale brothers Max and Jack, Tom Hanratty, Dan Tomanek and Heath.