Namibia gather for Europe trip
Namibia have gathered their players from near and far for their two-Test trip to Europe, in which they play Portugal and Spain/.
The bulk of the team left Windhoek on Tuesday.
The tour was initially in jeopardy for financial reasons but then the Namibian government and the International Ruby Board chipped in and rescued the tour, an import part in Namibia’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Coach Johan Diergaardt said: “The IRB will pay our flight and accommodation while the Namibian government has agreed to assist the players with a daily allowance for which we are very grateful.
“This tour is very important for our World Cup preparation because it will help us to get used to playing in foreign conditions.”
Namibia play Portugal in Lisbon on 20 November and Spain in Palma, Majorca, on 27 November . At present the IRB ranks Namibia 20th, Portugal 22nd and Spain 23rd.
Diergaardt said: “Last year we beat Portugal against all expectations and that served as a stepping stone that gave us the momentum for our successful run this year.
“These tests will provide us with good, tough competition, while it will provide an indication of how far we have come over the past year.”
The side includes eight uncapped players, including three who play abroad – scrumhalf Ryan de la Harpe (Moseley, England), prop Casper Viviers (Agen, France), and wing Conrad Marais (Villagers. Cape Town) De la Harpe has two brothers in the squad – wing Sergio and centre Darryl.
Vivier has played for Namibia Under-20 while Marais was the top try-scorer in Western Province club rugby and played for the Pumas in the Currie Cup.
The five uncapped players chosen who are based in Namibia are wing Russel van Wyk, centre Anthony Jevu, centre Attie du Plessis, lock Morné Blom and lock Munovito Kasiringua, who was forced to withdraw because of a shoulder injury and was replaced by Ruan Kitshoff of Griquas.
The captain is flank Jacques Burger who has been a star for Saracens this season. Others based overseas are Jacques Nieuwenhuis (France), Eugene Jantjies (Romania), Piet van Zyl (France) and Marius Visser and Jané du Toit who play in South Africa.
Namibian squad:
Forwards: Jacques Burger (captain), Morné Blom, Tinus du Plessis, Jané du Toit, Nico Esterhuizen, Sean Esterhuizen, Heinz Koll, Ruan Kitshoff, Bertus O’Callaghan, Jacques Nieuwenhuis, Johnny Redelinghuys, PJ van Lill, Marius Visser and Casper Viviers.
Backs: Jacky Bock, Chrysander Botha, Attie du Plessis, Collin de Koe, Ryan de la Harpe, Sergio de la Harpe, Daryl de la Harpe, Antony Jevu, Eugene Jantjies, Conrad Marais, Godwin Walters, McGrath van Wyk, Russel van Wyk, Piet van Zyl.
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