A mouthwatering encounter lies in store tomorrow when old rivals FNB Wanderers and Trustco United square off in the Rugby Premier League final at the Hage Geingob National Rugby Stadium.
The two adversaries have been competing against each other for more than a century, during which time Wanderers asserted themselves as Namibia’s most successful club.
Since the advent of the league in 1920, Wanderers have won the title 34 times and shared it three times, while United are the second most successful club, with 22 victories and three shared trophies.
Besides having history on their side, Wanderers are also the defending champions, but they face a young and improving United side that will draw inspiration from their form this season.
In a very competitive league, Wanderers finished on top of the log, while United pipped Kudus to second spot, before they both won their semifinal knockout matches two weeks ago.
Wanderers finished strongly to beat Rehoboth 32-20, while United beat Kudus 28-27 after a last minute penalty by Renier Benade.
There was not much to choose between the two finalists during the league, with Wanderers edging United 33-30 in their first encounter on 10 June, while United won the second 46-38 on 5 August.
Benade’s powerful boot will once again play an important role for United, while they have a great halfback pair in scrumhalf Jahno du Plessis and the mercurial Hanreco van Zyl at flyhalf. He put in a match-winning performance in their semi against Kudus, with two tries and a drop goal, and Wanderers will have to keep a tight lid on him.
Up front United have a strong pack of forwards with players like Jano Otto, Gerhard Thirion, Zander Bronkhorst, Feddy Mazila, Thehard Lintvelt and Dean Blom coming to the fore, but they suffered a blow a few weeks ago when their inspirational captain Eloff du Plessis picked up a season-ending ankle injury against Western Suburbs.
‘Fit and ready’ – Dickson
United coach Robbie Dickson, said they are raring to go.
“We had a two-week break after a big semifinal, so that really helped and gave us more time to work on our fitness and prepare for the final. We worked hard throughout the year, so now it’s just about putting the finishing touches in place,” he said.
“For most of the players it will be their first final, I think just two or three have been in a final before, so everyone is very excited and looking forward to the match. We have a very young side, but I’m happy to see how they have improved and the results throughout the year,” he added.
Dickson said they had made provision for Du Plessis’ absence.
“It’s a setback, he’s a very good player and leader, but we’ve made provision and prepared for different scenarios, so we have a backup plan,” he said.
“I’m very pleased with the progress this side young side has made, but we don’t take anything for granted and we havent won anything yet. It will be a massive stepping stone for this young side to win it, but I told them they must just go out and enjoy it,” he added.
Wanderers as usual have a powerful pack and a lot of speed in wingbacks like Warren Ludwig and Nandi Karuuombe, while the youthful centre Danie van der Merwe has come to the fore with some fine performances this year.
His fellow centre Niel Holtzhausen returns from injury, while the experienced Eugene Jantjies prolongs his successful return from retirement at flyhalf.
Upfront, they have a strong tight five in players like Herschell van Wyk, Dandre Schreuder and Jakanjomoku Ortner, while their loose trio of Anton Steenkamp, Darius von Solms and Driaan Vorster has impressed throughout the season.
Wanderers coach Dirk Human said they are well prepared.
“On Monday we had a video session and on Tuesday we had a very good training session on the field. The vibe is very good, the players know what’s expected of them and will account on the field of play.
“Niel Holtzhausen is back in midfield, and because we are not in the Reserve League final our bench will be stronger and some of the guys from the second team deserve a chance to play. Thomasau Forbes is a big loss, he has joined a team in Hong Kong, but we wish him all the best there,” he added.
Human said he expected a strong forward assault from United.
“United have a heavy pack of forwards and they are very good in the scrums and mauls. Robbie Dickson is a very good coach and I’m sure he will have a trick or two up his sleeve,” he said.
“Every final is a big game – we were equal during the league, so this will be the decider,” he added.
The Reserve League final will be contested between Kudus and Grootfontein, while Etosha will take on Mariental in the First League final.
