2023-08-28 00:53:53
The Namibians may have no illusions about the outcome of their World Cup, which will end in the first round, but they will still try to save the honor by dominating Uruguay in the last group match for not finish last, which would be a first. However, this seems very compromised, especially since the players will consume themselves against Italy, New Zealand and France, without really hoping to be able to win.
The story
At the 2003 World Cup, Namibia suffered the biggest defeat in World Cup history against Australia (142-0). The Namibians conceded 22 tries, without scoring a single point. The previous record was held by Japan, who suffered a rout against New Zealand in 1995 (145-17).
Namibia team form
Namibia may still take a slap or two during this World Cup. Four years ago, the Namibians suffered two severe defeats against New Zealand (71-9) and South Africa (57-3). Despite an interesting second half, they also lost to Italy (47-22) finishing with zero points. They have also never won a single match at the World Cup, despite six appearances since 1999. Without serious competition on their continent, behind the untouchable South Africa, Namibia again qualified this year by dominating Kenya (36-0) in the Rugby Africa Cup. In preparation, the Namibian XV was not reassured with mixed results against Chile (victory on the wire), Uruguay and Argentina B (two defeats). The only hope of the teammates of the former Columérin center Johan Deysel will be to beat Uruguay.
Namibia match schedule
The list of 31
Two players will be recalled before the start of the World Cup.
Pillars: Jason Benade, Aranos Coetzee, Desiderius Sethie, Casper Viviers.
Accountants: Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld.
Second lines : Tiaan de Klerk, Adriaan Ludick, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Tjiuee Uanivi, PH van Lill.
Third lines: Adriaan Booysen, Wian Conradie, Prince Gaoseb, Richard Hardwick, Max Katjijeko, Johan Retief.
Scrum-half: Oela Blaauw, Damian Stevens, Jacques Theron.
Demis d’ouvertures: Cliven Loubser, Andre van der Berg.
Centers: Danco Burger, Johan Deysel, JC Greyling, Le Roux Malan, Gerswin Mouton.
Arrières/ailiers : Chad Plato, Alcino Isaacs, Divan Rossouw, Tiaan Swanepoel.
Le XV type
Few renowned players on the international scene but some heads known on the French grounds in the standard team of Namibia. Adriaan Ludick (Limoges), captain Johan Deysel (Colomiers) and Tiaan Swanepoel (Valence d’Agen) will normally be there.
Player to watch: Torsten Van Jaarsveld
Torsten Van Jaarsveld here in the Bayonne jersey. Icon Sport 2023 Icon Sport
The former Aviron Bayonnais hooker will play his third World Cup with Namibia, after playing four games in 2015 and two in 2019. Highly appreciated by the Bayonne public, he left the club at the end of the year and does not yet know what its future will hold. But he knows in any case that his next objective will be to lead the Namibians to a first victory in the World Cup. Never stingy in effort, very comfortable with the ball in hand and dynamic, the Namibian will once again be very important in his team.
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