WINDHOEK – Namibia’s rugby XV, the Welwitschias, will face a combined invitational South African team consisting of players from first division outfit Leopards and South Africa’s Varsity Cup champions Pukke Rugby Club at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek tomorrow.
The match will serve as part of the preparations of the Welwitschias for the upcoming Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Division-1A tournament, which serves as qualification for next year’s much anticipated International Rugby Board (IRB) World Cup in England, while also offering the boys some much needed game time. Coach Danie Vermeulen has however expressed some concern with their preparations, since they only had about two weeks to get their house in order, but maintains that they did all they could within that short space of time and his troops will surely give a good account of themselves.
“We will use mostly home-based players and it will be a good opportunity for them to go out there and show what they have. I’m pleased with the quality of our opponents and I’m confident they will be a good test for our local lads. All in all, I’m confident the boys will do well,” said Vermeulen.
The squad is as follow: Jaco Engels, Robert Herridge, Shaun du Preez, Andre Schlechter, Arthur Bouwer, Stefan Neustadt, Maepisa Tjeriko, Tinus du Plessis, Morne Blom ,Tomasu Forbes, Victor Rodrigues, Handre Bezuidenhout, Eniel Buitendag, Johnny Redelinghuys, Justin Nel, Johan Tromp, Johan Deysel, Heinrich Smit, Malcolm Moore, Lean Stoop, Rathony Becker, DG Wiese, Jaco Swanepoel, Mune Tjiueza, Divan Visser.
By Otniel Hembapu