Don't hide away - Burger
Despite a looming onslaught from the All Blacks, retired Namibian great Jacques Burger has tasked the current crop to give 100%.
Former captain of the Namibia's senior rugby side, Jacques Burger, has implored the current squad, ranked 23rd in the world, to give it their all against New Zealand in the fast-approaching Japan Rugby World Cup. He said they should do so without “hiding away” when they face the haka-inspired All Blacks.
The match on 6 October will be Namibia's third of the competition that kicks off on 20 September. Their first Pool B match will be against Italy on 22 September, followed by a clash against the Springboks on 28 September. Their last pool match is against Canada on 13 October.
The All Blacks will probably present the sternest test for the Namibians. New Zealand are the defending champions and favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time. Their opponents idolise and fear them at the same time, as they intimidate with their haka before outclassing and brutalising all-comers on the field. Burger advised the Namibian side to leave it all on the pitch.
The former loose forward was known for his patriotism on the field.
During his heyday, he would tirelessly throw himself into tackles, even when Namibia were staring down the barrel, which is something he wants the current players to emulate.
“We need to be realistic, as we are a small rugby nation that are up against the world-rated New Zealanders. “They are way more advanced than Namibia, with their professional set-up. So playing them will be really tough and it will take a massive effort. I wouldn't advise the team to try and keep the score to a minimum, they should rather go out and give 100% effort.
“Making people proud doesn't always mean winning a match, but it's about the courage you show on the day. Play to your potential, work hard, be yourself and be disciplined at all times,” Burger said, while motivating the players.
Burger played in three World Cups for Namibia - in 2007, 2011 and 2015. He captained the team that played the All Blacks in 2015, when they were beaten 58-14. New Zealand ended up winning the tournament.
They also won the 1987 and 2011 editions.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
The match on 6 October will be Namibia's third of the competition that kicks off on 20 September. Their first Pool B match will be against Italy on 22 September, followed by a clash against the Springboks on 28 September. Their last pool match is against Canada on 13 October.
The All Blacks will probably present the sternest test for the Namibians. New Zealand are the defending champions and favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time. Their opponents idolise and fear them at the same time, as they intimidate with their haka before outclassing and brutalising all-comers on the field. Burger advised the Namibian side to leave it all on the pitch.
The former loose forward was known for his patriotism on the field.
During his heyday, he would tirelessly throw himself into tackles, even when Namibia were staring down the barrel, which is something he wants the current players to emulate.
“We need to be realistic, as we are a small rugby nation that are up against the world-rated New Zealanders. “They are way more advanced than Namibia, with their professional set-up. So playing them will be really tough and it will take a massive effort. I wouldn't advise the team to try and keep the score to a minimum, they should rather go out and give 100% effort.
“Making people proud doesn't always mean winning a match, but it's about the courage you show on the day. Play to your potential, work hard, be yourself and be disciplined at all times,” Burger said, while motivating the players.
Burger played in three World Cups for Namibia - in 2007, 2011 and 2015. He captained the team that played the All Blacks in 2015, when they were beaten 58-14. New Zealand ended up winning the tournament.
They also won the 1987 and 2011 editions.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article