BAHRAIN RFC’s first XV face make-or-break territory in their quest for West Asia Premiership glory tonight at 5pm as they take on table-toppers Dubai Exiles in Saar in a must-win fixture.
Having enjoyed a successful start to the season – in which they won four and drew the other five fixtures before the Christmas break – the side endured a difficult start to 2018 as they suffered disappointing defeats on the road against title rivals Jebel Ali Dragons and Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
That disappointment was reflected in a ruthless 66-0 drubbing of Abu Dhabi Saracens two weeks ago that got Louie Tonkin’s charges back to winning ways but the head coach is under no illusions as to the threat the Exiles will pose.
Thankfully, Tonkin has been able to name arguably his strongest team of the season, with a number of players back in contention.
Up front, Oli Sanson returns to the front row alongside Lindsey Gibson and Davis Tui, while it’s all change in the second-row, where Rich Wilkinson and Jonny Kenny both start.
Blindside
Elliot Behan shifts to the blindside flank to accommodate a first start of the season for the recently ‘unretired’ Tommy Booth at number eight, with Rhys Fitzgerald once again occupying the open side berth.
Luke Radley gets the chance to rekindle last season’s half-back partnership with Rob Bennett, having spent the majority of the season at centre, where the much-anticipated combination of Adam Wallace and the returning Dai Evans gets its first outing since a brief cameo in the pre-season fixture in Sri Lanka back in September.
Greg Heath is another welcome returnee as he marks his first start of the campaign on the wing, with Iwan Phillips and Deina Morete completing the ultra-competitive back-three slots.
A potent bench features first-team regulars in the shape of Matt McKee, Mark Burnell, Alastair Crombie, Terence Tantoh, Chris Coupland and Graham Bishop, alongside new man Sesimani Tupou, who is in line for his club debut.
All fans are encouraged to turn out in support.