Windhoek
Namibia’s senior rugby team, Windhoek Draught Welwitschias, were humiliated in every possible manner in front of their home crowd by South African provincial outfit The Down Touch Griffons, who defeated Namibia by 101- 0 points at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.
Still winless after eight rounds of matches in the 2016 Currie Cup tournament, the Namibian side, which consisted mostly of local players, on Saturday again failed to prove any mettle and hunger for victory, despite enjoying home ground advantage.
Given the fact that the Currie Cup is a provincial tournament where South African rugby union clubs from various provinces and substantial regions within provinces compete for glory, Namibia entered into the competition as a national team and not merely as a provincial team but the Namibian senior side’s performance in almost all their eight matches so far has been well below par and substandard, to say the least.
When compared to the South African clubs, who play provincial rugby, the Welwitschias’ performance resembles nothing “national” but rather “provincial” as far as maturity and national representation are concerned.
Welwitschias coach John Williams had earlier indicated that the team would mostly consist of local or home-based players, which partially explains the lukewarm performance, but progress and cohesion within the team are somehow not really forthcoming as the Namibian boys seem like they still have a lot to learn if they are to seriously compete at that level. Saturday’s score sheet against the Griffons bears testimony to the analysis.
Currently sitting rock bottom on the 2016 Currie Cup log standings with only one point, Namibia have so far lost all their matches – against EP Kings, Sharks, Golden Lions, Free State Cheetahs, Pumas, Griquas, Leopards and The Down Touch Griffons.
Namibia’s next assignment will be against Hino Valke at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park, Gauteng on June 11.
The Currie Cup is South Africa’s premier domestic rugby union competition, played each winter and spring. Steeped in history and tradition, the Currie Cup dates back to 1891.
The tournament is also regarded as the cornerstone of South Africa’s rugby heritage and the coveted gold trophy remains the most prestigious prize in South African domestic rugby.
The Down Touch Griffons scorers: Tries: Warren Williams (3), Boela Venter (2), Dirk Grobbelaar (2), Selvyn Davids (2), Tertius Maarman (2), Daniel van der Merwe, De Wet Kruger, Lohan Lubbe, Neil Rautenbach. Conversions: George Whitehead (13).