Namibia sitting pretty
In the final match of the triangular Tournament in Windhoek, Namibia meet Kenya in a good position to win the tournament.
In the opening match last Saturday, Namibia came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 35-26 and on Tuesday Zimbabwe beat Kenya 29-14 after leading 26-0 at half-time, which must have been a massive disappointment to the ambitious Kenyans.
Namibia have made just one change. They have dropped Sergio de la Harpe right out of the side though the wing scored two tries against Zimbabwe. In his place they have moved Johan Tromp from centre to wing and brought Johan Deysel of the Pukke in to centre.
There are also two changes on the bench – Arthur Bouwer for Eneill Buitendag and schoolboy Chris Arries who joins schoolmates Janco Venter and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen.
Kenya, who are coached by Jerome Paarwater of a great Cape Town rugby family, had high hopes of winning the tournament after beating Zimbabwe in July. They could still spring a surprise.
The match will be the 70th Test refereed by Jonathan Kaplan and almost certainly his last. It is a milestone no other referee has reached.
Teams
Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Johan Tromp,13 Johan Deysel, 12 Darryl de la Harpe, 11 Heinrich Smit, 10 Theuns Kotzé, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 PJ van Lill (captain), 7 Tinus du Plessis, 6 Rohan Kitshoff, 5 Morné Blom, 4 Munee Tjiueza, 3 André Schlechter, 2 Rathony Bekker, 1 Jaco Engels
Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Johnny Redelinghuys, 18 Shaun du Preez, 19 Stefan Neustädt, 20 Janco Venter, 21 Arthur Bouwer, 22 Chris Arries, 23 Justin Nel
Kenya from: Dennis Karani, Curtis Lilako, Sammy Warui, Moses Amusala, Isaiah Nyariki, Oliver Mang'eni, Wilson Kopondo (captain), Max Adaka, Brian Nyikuli, Lawi Buyachi, Joshua Chisanga, Mike Okombe, Charles Omondi, Edwin Achayo, Lyle Asiligwa, Kenny Andola, Isaac Adimo, Nick Barasa, Mike Agevi, Fabian Olando, Cyprian Kuto, Dennis Muhanji,Tony Owuor, Duncan Ekasi
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jacky Husselmann (Namibia), Oscar Lambert (Namibia)
