Uncapped Welwitschias face Boland challenge

Namibian Welwitschias' squad, set to face South Africa's Boland Kavaliers tomorrow in a highly anticipated rugby clash at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, is heavily influenced by fresh talent, with half of the starting 15 yet to earn their first cap. Although the match will be played behind closed doors, fans can watch live on DStv channel 285 and GOtv 25 or stream it at www.oneuptwo.com. Live updates will also be available on the Sport Wrap Facebook page.Welwitschias captain Danco Burger expressed the team's eagerness for the match. "At first, we were unsure if the game would happen, but now that it’s confirmed, the players are excited. We expect a very physical game. This will be great preparation for us," he said. His opponent, Boland Kavaliers captain Thurlow Marsh, echoed similar sentiments, recalling the last time the two teams faced off in the Mzansi Challenge, where Boland emerged victorious with a 38-17 win. "Namibia always brings a physical battle. With the 2027 World Cup in mind, they will want to showcase their strength. We are ready for the challenge," Marsh said. He also took the time to offer condolences following the passing of Namibia’s founding president, Dr. Sam Nujoma. Boland head coach Hawies Fourie highlighted that the match will be used as a valuable learning experience for his squad ahead of their SA Cup campaign. "We've selected a 25-man squad. This match will give us the chance to build team chemistry and adapt to different styles of play," he said.NRU vice president Johan Diergaardt also provided insight into how the game will be managed. "We will have a squad of 25 players, all of whom will be eligible to play. Rolling substitutions will be used throughout the match. If a player receives a yellow card, they will be temporarily replaced to ensure the game remains 15 versus 15 at all times. In the case of a red card, the team will be allowed to replace the player after 20 minutes. Additionally, a water break will be scheduled after 20 minutes of play. These arrangements have been made in collaboration with the opposing team to ensure that as many players as possible get a chance to participate in the game."Diergaardt emphasised the importance of the match as the team's first pre-season test, providing insight into the strength of local players. He acknowledged that while many Namibian players compete professionally abroad, the foundation of the squad remains local. "Strengthening these homegrown players is crucial to ensuring they are not the weak link when integrating with the professionals." He further stressed the need for local players to be well-prepared and conditioned to meet the high standards required at the international level.Welwitschias's squad includes Sydney Halupe, Edward Drotsky, Jason Benade (vice-captain), Ruan Ludick, Diamando Tjombe, Cameron Langenhoven, Bakkies Rossouw, Adriaan Booysen, Jacques Theron, Denzo Bruwer, Jurgens Meyer, Danco Burger (captain), Alcino Isaacs, Owen Hawanga and Aston Mukwilongo. On the bench are Kevin Cloete, Wikus Jacobs, Renard Hattingh, Thiaart Lindtveldt, Joe Losper, Gilad Plaatjies, Rowan Jansen, Kian Beyer, AJ Kearns, Geraldo Beukes, Hillian Beukes, JD Nel, Dylan Isaacs, Natie Janse van Rensburg and Quirione Majiedt.Boland Kavaliers will field Andrew Beerwinkel, Sidney Tobias, Doctor Booysen, Michael Benadie, Marlyn Williams, Keenan Opperman, Khwezi Mafu, Thurlow Marsh (captain), Godlen Masimla, Ashlon Davids, Lunathi Nxele, Cornal Hendricks, Xavier Mitchell, Duren Hoffman and Darian Hock in their starting XV. Their bench consists of HP van Schoor, Lamla Nunu, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Schalk Oelofse, Sauleigh Arendse, Gift Dlamini, Chriswill September, James Tedder, Jurick Lewis and Renaldo Young.Both teams are expected to put on an intense display as they gear up for their respective competitions. With Namibia eyeing the Africa Cup and Boland preparing for the SA Cup, tomorrow's match promises to be a crucial test of their form and squad depth.

Uncapped Welwitschias face Boland challenge

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Uncapped Welwitschias face Boland challenge

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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