Johnson's words inspire Gulf side

Martin Johnson was a rugby player with a winning habit and it rubbed off to perfection on the Arabian Gulf side as they seized a dramatic 24-22 World Cup qualifying win over China at the Dubai Exiles on Friday.

The former England and British Lions skipper presented the Gulf squad with their playing jerseys in the changing room before kick-off and he urged the home team to "seize the moment" and come off the field "with no regrets".

Johnson, who guided England to their 2003 World Cup final victory over Australia, added in his short address that the Gulf had to "take their opportunities".

But little did anyone in the room realise that the chance to win this game would come in the final seconds after China appeared to have snatched the spoils with a try from replacement winger Chen Jian Chun.

Gulf skipper David Clark was calm and collected as he gathered together his squad behind the posts for one last effort, deep into the injury time of a pulsating clash.

James Tometzki, who became the Gulf's hero with the match-winning try, said: "He got us all together and told us not to let our heads drop. He said: 'We're going to win this game. We are going to get the ball and score'. It was brilliant leadership."

The replacement winger did superbly to catch a high pass from Rob Subbiani and step over in the corner for the crucial touchdown but this was a Gulf performance built on a magnificent team effort, particularly in defence.

Clark said: "Nothing else in my entire rugby career compares with what happened today. It was just fantastic. To come back like we did at the end was magnificent and I think it's now put the Gulf on the map at 15-a-side. We're well known for sevens, but we can also play this game as well."

Many of the players in this titanic battle the lead changed hands a remarkable six times in total now begin preparing for the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens from November 30 to December 2.