A day to forget... or remember

Namibia had a day to forget at both the U16 Grant Khomo as well as the U13 Craven Week schools rugby tournaments yesterday.However, for the players and coaches involved, some uncompromising lessons were handed out in both cases, which could serve them well in the future.Namibia’s under-16s suffered a 25-0 defeat against Griquas when they failed to adapt to the slippery, muddy surface of the deteriorating pitch following overnight rain before matchday three on the Hoër Landbouskool Boland in Paarl.Following their previous wins this week against Border Country Districts (45-19) and Zimbabwe (12-10), the U16s tried hard and saw brief periods of promising build-up, but were ruthlessly punished by Griquas, who were much more effective in forcing errors with their tactical kicking.Instead, the Namibians were slow to adapt from their initial approach of trying to pass the slippery ball to attack in the wider channels despite the treacherous conditions.Coach Jan Dames’ team completed their matches at the annual tournament, which serves to provide exposure to upcoming schoolboy talent on their path to eventual Under-18 Craven Week and U18 Academy Week contention.Difficult matchesIn Pietermaritzburg, the primary school boys sang their national anthems ahead of the traditional U13 Craven Week clash between Namibia and Zimbabwe.Just two minutes after the kick-off, Zimbabwe’s Nr. 8 set the tone with a remarkable solo try – picking up behind the first scrum on his own 10-metre line, handing off the flank, and beating the wing with pace on the outside without a hand being laid on him.Zimbabwe, leading 12-3 at half-time, raced away to win 24-13, scoring four tries, with Namibia only replying with tries by right wing Keanan Abraham and lock Stefan Kruger, as well as a penalty by centre Le-Roy Basson.

A day to forget... or remember

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-03

Please login to leave a comment

A day to forget... or remember

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-03

Please login to leave a comment

Login