… Big test against Kenya
WINDHOEK – Namibia’s U/19 rugby squad on Tuesday took South Africa by storm when they thrashed Madagascar 64 – 22 in their opening encounter of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) division 1A U/19 championship, underway in Nelspruit, South Africa.
The resounding victory against Madagascar propelled Namibia into the final of the competition where they will face equally dangerous Kenya on Saturday. The winner of the tournament qualifies for the 2014 U/20 International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Rugby Trophy to be hosted in Hong Kong,China.
In other results, Kenya earlier played against Zimbabwe whom they defeated 29– 20,which means Zimbabwe will now lock horns with Madagascar for a 3rd and 4th place finish.
Namibia enjoyed much possession and dominance against Madagascar, especially with their accurate attacks that many a time left the islanders chasing shadows for the better part of the highly entertaining encounter. Namibia also demonstrated much improvement in the ball handling and defensive departments, something rarely witnessed in domestic rugby.
The fairly young and formidable Namibian side will be expected to pick up where they left off when they take on Kenya in the final but they would better be advised to be wary of the Kenyans’ physical style of play and hard-running offence.
By Otniel Hembapu