Coastal Pre-World Cup Friendly

Coastal rugby enthusiasts can look forward to high quality rugby tomorrow, when the Namibian rugby world cup team plays a warm-up game against the visiting Southern Kings right here in Walvis Bay. The game will be played at the sport stadium of the Walvis Bay Private High School at 15:00 but the proceedings starts already at 08:00 with Tjokker Rugby from Walvis Bay Private High School, Narraville Primary School, Walvis Bay Primary School and Pro-Ed Academy.

The Namibians beat the Kings 28-22 at the Hage Geingob National Rugby Stadium last Saturday, with Walvis Bay born Chad Plato scored two tries whilst Torsten van Jaarsveld and Eugene Jantjies scored one each with Cliven Loubser added six points and PW Steenkamp two points with their boots.
The team recently returned from their high-intensity training camp in Durban South Africa were they defeat a Sharks team 42 – 0 in their first game.
Namibia will play in Pool B, alongside Italy, South Africa, defending champions New Zealand and Canada. They will play their first match against Italy on 22 September. Their second match will be against South Africa on 28 September whilst their third match on 6 October will be against the defending champions New Zealandand the last group match against Canada on 13 October.
President of the NRU, Mr. Edward Mensah said “We are delighted that we could finalize the match with the help of the South African Rugby Union and World Rugby.
Mensah added that the Southern Kings is a good opposition for preparation. Having the match in in Walvis bay is not only an opportunity to have the coastal fans come and witness the team in other parts of the country as most matches are held in Windhoek, but getting game time in humid and sea level climate is an important aspect of preparation for competing in Japan.
ISUZU Southern Kings Team Manager, Zingi Hela said “We are in a very fortunate position to have managed to secure pre-season matches against two national teams that are heading to the World Cup in Japan next month.”
“We can now confirm that after our trip to Georgia we have agreed with the Namibian Rugby Union that we will take on their national team in two important pre-season matches which the Namibian team will use for their preparations for the World Cup.
“We are confident that the matches will be tough and give us the competitiveness that we are seeking ahead of our season, and we will be able to provide the same for Namibia before they depart for Japan”Hela added.
The agreement between Namibia and the Southern Kings is beneficial to both as they will assist in preparing Namibia for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and these matches are important for them in getting ready for their 2019/2020 Pro14 season.
The Namibia Rugby World Cup squad will be wrapped up their training at the coast with an open session at the Dunes Mall today at 17:00 for signing autographs and posing for photos with the fans in attendance.
The Namibia’s 31-man rugby squad that will depart on 12 September for the 2019 Rugby World Cup which kicks off on 20 September in Japan are, Prince !Gaoseb, Adriaan Booysen, Aranos Coetzee, Wian Conradie, AJ de Klerk, Darryl de la Harpe, Johan Deysel (Captain), Janry du Toit, Thomasau Forbes, JC Greyling, Eugene Jantjies, Max Katjijeko, Helarius Kisting, Rohan Kitshoff, Lesley Klim, Cliven Loubser, Justin Newman, Obert Nortje, Chad Plato, Andre Rademeyer, Johan Retief, Des Sethie, Damian Stevens, Nelius Theron, Johann Tromp, TjiueeUanivi (Vice Captain), Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, PJ van Lill, Janco Venter and PJ Walters.