WINDHOEK – Prop forwards Quintin Esterhuyzen and Shaun du Preez have been called up as replacements to join the Namibian team in Carcavelos, Portugal, ahead of Welwitschias final match of the Windhoek Draught Northern Hemisphere tour.
The pair will join the team later this week as cover for loose-head Jaco Engels, struggling with a hamstring injury sustained in the match against the French Barbarians.
Engels is undergoing medical treatment and his recovery will be monitored, while regular props Johnnie Redelinghuys and Andrè Schlechter have already returned home because of personal commitments.
The rehabilitation process of Tinus du Plessis is also continuing after the loose forward picked up a calf injury in Wales at the start of the tour. The 27-year old du Preez made his debut for Namibia in the 55-35 win over Kenya on November 16, in Windhoek last year and has 4 caps to date.
Uncapped Esterhuysen has come through the ranks and has represented Namibia at the Craven Week and also played for the national under 19 and under 20 teams.
Welwitschias arrived in Portugal on Sunday afternoon after traveling from Toulon in France where they suffered a 14-35 defeat by the French Barbarians on Friday evening.
The squad members enjoyed a flush out session shortly after arriving in the coastal city and yesterday resumed preparations for their international against Portugal on Saturday.
By Staff Reporter