Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – A battle-hardened Namibia U/20 rugby side will tomorrow look to continue and solidify their perfect start at the ongoing 2018 World Rugby U/20 Trophy in Bucharest, Romania, which saw the Namibian youngsters brushing aside host country Romania 55-26 in the opening match of the youth rugby showpiece on Wednesday.
As action continues this weekend, Namibia will tomorrow take to the field to confront a wounded Hong Kong outfit, which lost its opening match 41-20 to Samoa and will equally be looking to bounce back against Namibia.
The Namibians, who are currently leading Pool A with 5 points followed by Samoa in second place also with 5 points, will tomorrow be expected to display the same cohesion, accurate ball-handling skills and attack with the same lethalness as they did when they overpowered Romania on Wednesday.
Namibia, who also participated in the 2014 edition of the U/20 Trophy, finishing in 6th place and also managed to secure a place at the 2015 tournament after they beat Kenya at the finals of Rugby Africa’s Under 19 Championship, have a strong squad at this year’s edition and appear to be in top shape and well-motivated to give Hong Kong a good run for their money tomorrow.
This year’s tournament marks the 11th edition of the competition, with host nation Romania, along with seven other sides, playing in a group stage followed by a knockout round to determine a champion as well as promotion to next year’s World Rugby U/20 Championship.