Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) log leaders and defending champions, Wanderers, will be hoping to extend their run in the league this weekend when they face Grootfontein.
They currently lead the log standings with 17 points from three matches played this season, and tomorrow’s match would provide an opportunity for them to extend their lead in the top-flight rugby league.
However, it would not be an easy ride as Grootfontein have had a good run this season, collecting a total of 10 points so far, which is seven points behind the leaders, Wanderers. Grootfontein have won two matches and lost one.
Darryl de la Harpe, Wanderers head coach, admits it will not be an easy match playing against a good side like Grootfontein; however, he maintained that they will be ready tomorrow.
“Obviously, it’s going to be a hard match against Grootfontein. They are a good team, and we have respect for them. But I can tell you now that we have had good preparation this week, and all the boys are physically and mentally ready for this specific encounter,” he said.
Wanderers will be without a few key players, but the coach said: “We have players returning, which is a boost. We have one of our hookers attending a few family matters, and as a club, we are big on that, so we allowed him to go, but I believe the players on the team will step up to the occasion,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wikus Jacobs of Grootfontein said the match will not be an easy, but he expressed hope his charges will rise to the occasion. “Preparations went well; we had great training. The team is ready to face a tough team like Wanderers, and we will be looking for a way to exploit their weaknesses,” he said.
Elsewhere, coastal outfit Dolphins, who are currently anchoring the log with zero points, will square off against seventh-placed Unam at Dolphin Stadium, while Western Suburbs, who have amassed a total of eight points and are placed fifth on the standings, will take on Trustco United in what is expected to be an exciting tie.
Reho Falcon, who occupy the second-to-last position with only one point, will take on sixth-placed Rehoboth, who have five points, in what is tipped as a match to watch.
In the reserve league, Dolphins will face Unam, while Wanderers will welcome Grootfontein at home. Suburbs will take on United, while Reho Falcon will play against Rehoboth.
In the first division, Etosha Lions will face Grootfontein Bokkies, while Okahandja Highlanders take on Vipers in the garden town of Okahandja. Oceans, on the other hand, will take to the field to square off against Sparta in another exciting fixture. Oranjemund will take on Keetmanshoop Rams.
Meanwhile, the league announced that there will be no games in the women’s division. – mkambukwe@nepc.com.na
Photo: Hesron Kapanga