HAVING started 2018 sitting pretty at the summit of the Rugby West Asia Premiership table, one result later, Bahrain RFC’s hopes of a first league title in eight years are in a far more precarious situation as they face what is effectively a must-win game away to reigning champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
A disappointing defeat to Jebel Ali Dragons two weeks ago coupled with the latter’s follow-up win over the Harlequins last weekend has seen Bahrain slip behind both main rivals in what has long been seen as a three-way battle.
Coach Louie Tonkin must now take his charges to the UAE capital in search of a first win over ‘Quins since that famous Prosperity Premiership-winning campaign back in 2010 and he will do so with a few changes to the side due to injuries and unavailability.
Up front, Matt McKee is the unlucky odd man out as he makes way for the returning Davis Tui to partner skipper Lindsey Gibson and Oli Sanson after a couple of outstanding performances in the last two rounds.
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Mark Burnell is also back in the engine room alongside Jonny Kenny as Rich Wilkinson reverts to the back-row in place of the injured Alastair Crombie, alongside Rhys Fitzgerald and Elliot Behan.
Rob Bennett and the newly-engaged Oli Luke continue their half-back partnership, with Luke Radley and Deina Morete named in a makeshift centre pairing.
There’s an all-new wing pairing as Terrence Tantoh and Chris Coupland are named to start alongside Iwan Phillips, having impressed from the bench against the Dragons.
On the bench, McKee is joined by the ever-present Max Sale and his not-so present brother Jack, while Joel Lewis and Graham Bishop – fitness permitting will provide cover for the backs.
The most notable inclusion however, is the return of club captain Adam Wallace to the squad for the first time since injuring his knee in the West Asia Champions League back in September.