The Bahrain Rugby Football Club (RFC) first XV squad will be on familiar territory today as they travel to Zayed Sports City for the fourth time in their seven most recent outings to take on Abu Dhabi Saracens in the second round of the West Asia Premiership.
Despite holding last year’s all-conquering Abu Dhabi Harlequins to a 15-all draw in the opening game of the campaign in Saar two weeks ago, it was something of a missed opportunity for Bahrain – who dominated for extended periods – and they will be determined to put things right this evening.
That determination is reflected in head coach Louie Tonkin’s team selection, which shows only four enforced changes from that which took the field against Quins.
Up front, Oli Sanson gets the nod to take over from Rich Muncaster – whose season was cruelly ended by a serious knee injury last time out – with Davis Tui shifting to the tighthead side of Lindsey Gibson.
Mark Burnell and Jonny Kenny once again team up in the second row, with Rich Wilkinson making a welcome return on the flank, alongside Rhys Fitzgerald, and Elliot Behan slotting in at number eight after an impressive cameo off the bench two weeks ago.
Rob Bennett is partnered in the half-backs by Ollie Luke, with Luke Radley having recovered from a calf injury to take his place outside Dai Evans in the centre. The back three of Graham Bishop, Terrence Tantoh and Deina Morete remains intact.
Arran Dalgarno and Callan Hope return to bolster front-row ranks from the bench, with Max Sale and the ever-versatile Matt McKee also covering the forwards. Scorer of all Bahrain’s 15 points against Quins, Iwan Phillips will provide ammunition for the backs, alongside Joel Lewis and Ahmed Shehab, who is rewarded for his consistently impressive performances in training.