Lebanon prepare for Scotland clash
Lebanon Coach John Elias believes that his team will be underdogs going into their clash with Scotland this Sunday.
However, the Cedars know that victory there this weekend will grant them a place in the European Cup Final in Bridgend on Sunday November 8th and Elias says that he will pick his team to suit the anticipated Scottish conditions.
“The boys have prepared really well this week but we know we’re going into the match against Scotland as the second favourites” Elias said.
“I’ve been asked numerous times if we’re worried about Scotland, or what we’re going to do to combat them but I’m simply concentrating on our own backyard.”
Chris Salem, who plays for Bankstown City in the Bundaberg Red Cup in Australia, will become Lebanon’s most decorated player when he wins his 15th cap against the Bravehearts. Meanwhile Robin Hachache will become the first domestic player to reach double figures if selected for what will be his 10th appearance in the national colours.
Elias will be looking for his side to build on his side’s comprehensive performance against Italy in balmy Tripoli last weekend, which saw them run out 86-0 victors in the Group 1 clash.
“It was a very gratifying for me to watch the domestic players. It was great seeing them perform and grow amongst the team in training then produce on game day” he commented.
“As a whole, we worked well as a team. I’ve been involved in many situations where a team asserts their authority early in the game then lose their composure but I thought we held our structure and impetus for the full 80 minutes.
“There were a host of good performances but Reece Robinson along with his twin brother Travis played exceptionally and Adnan Saleh, Steve Azzi, Ahmad Ellaz, Jamie Clark, George Ndeira: these are the youngsters of the team, they’re the future.”
“We have to train towards the conditions. We’re anticipating a windy cold day and a heavy pitch.”
“The bonding in the squad is super” he added. “So I don’t have much to change on that front. As a coach I sit back and watch them get on which is a very humbling experience.”