BAHRAIN Rugby Football Club (RFC) in Saar will tomorrow stage one of the most anticipated fixtures in recent memory, as the host club and old rivals Doha face-off in a battle that could have a significant impact on the destination of this year’s Rugby West Asia Championship title.
Currently lying five points behind their opponents in third place in the league standings with two rounds still to play, Bahrain have already qualified for the revamped play-off series but since three points separate league leaders Abu Dhabi Harlequins – who take on fourth placed Jebel Ali Dragons tomorrow – and Doha, there is still all to play for.
Although not expected to confirm his starting line-up until later today, Bahrain head coach Louie Tonkin took a select squad of 22 players through a final training session at their Saar training base last night.
Tough
Clearly expecting a tough physical battle up front, the Welshman has given himself plenty of options in the front row in particular with Rich Muncaster making a welcome return to the squad for the first time since December as he competes with Oli Sanson, Jose Navarro and Arron Dalgarno for a starting spot alongside the ever-present Lindsey Gibson.
Max Sale and Mark Burnell look set to continue their burgeoning partnership in the second row – with Matt McKee providing ample cover – while Alastair Crombie’s impressive outing against Abu Dhabi Saracens could see him retained on the openside flank, with Toby Borrow filling the blindside alongside the ever-present Tommy Booth at number eight.
Shorn of regular play-makers Luke Radley and Oli Luke, Deina Morete is expected to be handed the reigns at fly-half, alongside Rob Bennett, with Adam Wallace and Lewis Chance continuing their impressive centre partnership.
Greg Heath and Terrence Tantoh should provide potency from the wings, with Joel Lewis expected to earn his first competitive start for the club at full-back, having impressed as an early replacement against Saracens.
Veterans Tom Ham and Shane Stapleton are also back in the squad, who are expected to feature from the bench, along with Nick Young and Bryan Barnard.