Namibia ready for Boks

THE Namibian rugby side will do themselves a huge favour if they can put up a formidable performance against the Springboks today, in view of the tough assignments awaiting them at the World Cup in France early next month.

The Namibian side face what can be considered a solid Bok side at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town today, a match which can determine if they would be up to the bigger challenges that lie ahead when they go into their World Cup campaign against the likes of Argentina, Ireland, Georgia and hosts France. Namibia, also known as ‘The Welwitschias’ have played in two World Cup tournaments before, but didn’t win a match in either.This time around, with their new coach Hakkies Husselman, who was thrown into the deep end at the last minute after former coach Johan Venter was fired, needs to prove that his players can defend, attack, scrum well but on top of all, play their own brand of rugby.The Namibians have assembled their best players for the World Cup and for today’s match, they have no choice but to field their first 15 as the Boks will have no mercy on home soil.Husselman, who also played professional rugby for Griquas and the Bulls in South Africa, was recently quoted saying that if Namibia did well at Newlands today, they would be on the right track.Husselman, also an ardent squash player, said he also wants to see his team competing equally in the line-outs against possibly the world’s best locks in Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.Namibian locks Wacca Kazombiaze and Nico Esterhuyse will be going up against the two South African veterans in that department and their strengths in the scrum will also be put to the test.Husselman said that the team has been struggling to train in Cape Town because of muddy fields, something they are not used to back home.But despite that, it will be a tall order for Namibia to beat the Boks as the local side aims to start preparations on a high note, in an attempt to scare their next opposition in warm up matches.Bok coach Jake White this week was quoted as saying: “Our intensity has to be good and we must be as accurate as possible in executing our moves.Of course, we won’t show all the cards that we will play during the World Cup tournament, but I want us to look sharp and produce some good driving play.”Namibia have been helped in the last few days by the input of former Bok assistant coach Alan Solomons as well as former Springbok prop Robbie Kempson, while Gareth Wright, ex-Western Province, South Western Districts and Sharks flyhalf, is offering expert advice to the kickers.For Namibia, flyhalf Emile Wessels who plays professional rugby in Australia, will be heavily relied on for his kicking abilities, depending on the weather conditions at Newlands.Namibian captain Kees Lensing, who plays in South Africa for the Sharks, will be expected to lead his charges with determination and his wealth of experience at the top level, will be crucial in especially the scrums.In the build-up to the 2003 World Cup, a South African A side, which included stars such as Robbie Fleck, AJ Venter, Derrick Hougaard and Andre Pretorius, were held to 25-9 victory, and the scrum really battled to come to terms with the Namibian tactics.This time, Namibia will be limited to dominate in some areas as the Springboks are set for a good build-up that can possibly secure them the World Cup they last won in 1995.Namibia, also known as ‘The Welwitschias’ have played in two World Cup tournaments before, but didn’t win a match in either.This time around, with their new coach Hakkies Husselman, who was thrown into the deep end at the last minute after former coach Johan Venter was fired, needs to prove that his players can defend, attack, scrum well but on top of all, play their own brand of rugby.The Namibians have assembled their best players for the World Cup and for today’s match, they have no choice but to field their first 15 as the Boks will have no mercy on home soil.Husselman, who also played professional rugby for Griquas and the Bulls in South Africa, was recently quoted saying that if Namibia did well at Newlands today, they would be on the right track.Husselman, also an ardent squash player, said he also wants to see his team competing equally in the line-outs against possibly the world’s best locks in Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.Namibian locks Wacca Kazombiaze and Nico Esterhuyse will be going up against the two South African veterans in that department and their strengths in the scrum will also be put to the test. Husselman said that the team has been struggling to train in Cape Town because of muddy fields, something they are not used to back home.But despite that, it will be a tall order for Namibia to beat the Boks as the local side aims to start preparations on a high note, in an attempt to scare their next opposition in warm up matches.Bok coach Jake White this week was quoted as saying: “Our intensity has to be good and we must be as accurate as possible in executing our moves.Of course, we won’t show all the cards that we will play during the World Cup tournament, but I want us to look sharp and produce some good driving play.”Namibia have been helped in the last few days by the input of former Bok assistant coach Alan Solomons as well as former Springbok prop Robbie Kempson, while Gareth Wright, ex-Western Province, South Western Districts and Sharks flyhalf, is offering expert advice to the kickers.For Namibia, flyhalf Emile Wessels who plays professional rugby in Australia, will be heavily relied on for his kicking abilities, depending on the weather conditions at Newlands.Namibian captain Kees Lensing, who plays in South Africa for the Sharks, will be expected to lead his charges with determination and his wealth of experience at the top level, will be crucial in especially the scrums.In the build-up to the 2003 World Cup, a South African A side, which included stars such as Robbie Fleck, AJ Venter, Derrick Hougaard and Andre Pretorius, were held to 25-9 victory, and the scrum really battled to come to terms with the Namibian tactics.This time, Namibia will be limited to dominate in some areas as the Springboks are set for a good build-up that can possibly secure them the World Cup they last won in 1995.