DUBAI // Jebel Ali Dragons provided the sort of stylish attacking rugby Henry Paul said he hoped to deliver when he was appointed coach in the summer, during a rousing 42-30 win over Dubai Exiles.
Despite his side’s six-try special against last season’s double winners, though, the former England centre said the Dragons have much improving still to do.
“We took our chances well, but I don’t think there was a lot of structure from either team,” Paul said.
“I think we were quicker to the bounce of the ball. When there were mistakes, we were on it.
“So we were maybe just a little bit smarter, but we are still building and trying to get to grips with how we are trying to play.
“It is a win, and of course we have plenty of respect for the Exiles after what they did last year, and the history between the two clubs. But we have a lot to work on.”
As a former playmaking midfielder of great pedigree, Paul will have appreciated the performance of Saki Naisau, the Dragons’ Fijian centre.
Somehow, Naisau made it through a congested Exiles 22 without being touched to score the second try of the six Dragons managed, after Gio Fourie had put the home side ahead in just the third minute.
The pick of their haul was James Semple’s second half effort, after some lavish skill down the right wing by another Fijian recruited from Al Ain Amblers in pre-season, Niko Volavola.
“There are numerous counter-attacking threats in our team, but we can be our own worst enemies at times,” Paul said.
“There were times when we were pushing too much and trying too hard.
“I’ve always wanted to play an attacking game, but there are times when your decision making has to be smarter.”
Exiles are much changed from the side that won two major titles season, and they were disjointed from the off at the Centre of Excellence.
DuRandt Gerber, the flyhalf who piloted last year’s success, was a vocal supporter from the sideline as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.
His replacement, Matt Travers, who is in Dubai on a year’s work placement from university in the UK, was the outstanding player for the defeated side.
His personal haul of 20 points included a fine solo try, but it was not enough to carry the faltering defending champions.
Exiles coach Jacques Benade said his side have to cut the error count if they are to stand a chance of making April’s West Asia Premiership final.
“If you look at how many times they scored from our mistakes today, you are talking about 35 to 40 points,” Benade said.
Body: “It was unforced errors, it was not structured, and that is not the way we played last season.
“We are just not clicking, but Dragons played well, they took their chances, and some of their individuals were just outstanding.”
Elsewhere, the resurgence of Dubai Hurricanes continued, as they added an 18-16 victory over Abu Dhabi Saracens at The Sevens.
Hurricanes were surprise winners over Exiles seven days earlier.
In the capital, the league leaders Abu Dhabi Harlequins were prevented from winning for the first time, as they were held 23-23 by Doha.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
