Namibia to face Russian test
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Namibia will play two test matches against Russia in Windhoek next month as part of the Namibian Rugby Union's extensive campaign to ensure the national team is adequately prepared for the Rugby World Cup.
According to NRU CEO Sybrand de Beer, the two matches were arranged after the NRU approached World Rugby.
"We were looking at teams with profiles similar to those who we will be facing at RWC 2015. Teams with big, physical players, good in the set phases because if we look at teams like New Zealand, Argentina and Georgia, that's the kind of opposition we can expect," said de Beer.
According to de Beer, Uruguay, were also approached but they couldn't accept the invitation. However, through the support of World Rugby, the NRU was able to secure the two test matches against the Russians.
"The Russians are looking forward to the visit very much and we are busy putting the final arrangements in place for their visit," De Beer added..
The test matches will be part of an extensive nine match program in the build-up to Namibia's Rugby World Cup campaign.
This started with the 22-14 win over Tunisia last Saturday in an Africa Cup match in Nabeul. On Friday Namibia will play the Argentine Jaguars in Bucharest in the opening match of the Nations Cup hosted by Romania. This will be followed by test matches against Romania and Spain.
Following the two tests against Russia in July, Namibia will play two more matches at home, against Kenya and Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup in August.
Russia are currently placed 19th on World Rugby's Rankings with Namibia in 22nd position. Namibian Coach Danie Vermeulen welcomed the opportunity to play against stronger opposition in his team’s build-up.
"Russia regularly play against Romania and Georgia and Georgia is in our pool at the Rugby Wold Cup and those two test matches against Russia will be of massive value for us.
"We will be playing nine matches before we leave for England and I believe that it would be the best preparation Namibia have ever had going to a Rugby World Cup tournament." Vermeulen said from Bucharest where his team is preparing for encounter with the Argentine Jaguars.
Namibia and Russia have only met twice before on the international stage, both matches played in Windhoek. In 1994 Namibia lost 12-31 to the Russians and 16 years later in 2010, Russia recorded their second victory over Namibia when they won a once off test match in Windhoek 30-15
Namibia's fixtures leading up to RWC 2015:
13 June : v Argentine Jaguars in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
17 June : v Romania in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
21 June : v Spain in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
11 July : v Russia in Windhoek (International Friendly)
18 July : v Russia in Windhoek (International Friendly)
08 Aug : v Kenya in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)
15 Aug : v Zimbabwe in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)
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