BAHRAIN RFC’s first XV will go in search of another big win against Dubai Hurricanes in Saar at 5pm today as they aim to keep their hopes of West Asia Premiership glory alive.
Bahrain are one of four teams still mathematically in the running for the overall title and will be hard pushed not to keep half an eye on events taking place in Dubai this afternoon, where the Exiles can crack things wide open with victory over current table toppers Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
Bahrain head coach Louie Tonkin has once again shuffled his resources ahead of a big few weeks.
Up front, Sesimani Tupou comes in for his first start having impressed off the bench last week to join Davis Tui and Lyndsey Gibson in a mammoth front row.
In the second row, Mark Burnell returns to partner Jonny Kenny while Alistair Crombie is also back in the starting line-up alongside Elliot Behan and Rhys Fitzgerald in the back row.
Rob Bennett and Luke Radley are paired once again at half-back, with Greg Heath moving to centre to partner captain Adam Wallace.
Hamstring
Deina Morete’s hamstring injury means Iwan Phillips shifts to take over the full-back jersey, with Terrence Tantoh and Graham Bishop forming an all new wing pairing.
A luxury of forward resources sees Matt McKee, Oli Sanson, Max Sale, Rich Wilkinson and Tommy Booth all named on the bench, alongside utility back Chris Coupland, who will be itching to get on the field against his former club.
The most notable inclusion in the squad is the return of the inimitable Toby Burrow, after more than a year out with a series of injuries.
The senior fixture is set for a 5pm kick-off in Saar, with Bahrain to host the Hurricanes’ under-19s at 3pm.