Opperman's U-20 squad to be announced
Head coach of the U-20 Jood Opperman expressed his delight following the national rugby trials held at Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday.
ANDREW POOLMAN
WINDHOEK
About 88 players in total registered to participate in the trials building up to Namibia's campaign at the Rugby Africa Barthés Under-20 tournament in Nairobi (25 March to 4 April).
“Since the guys did not play rugby last year (due to the Covid-19 pandemic), it was tough for them playing more than one match today (20 minutes per half).
“Some players surprised me with their fitness level, but fitness is obviously an aspect we will be working on in our preparation,” Opperman said.
The coach expects to have a strong squad available for its mission to regain its African supremacy and qualify for the World Rugby “We seemed to lack a bit of depth in the lock department, but I believe we will have four or five locks good enough to take us through. I believe we will be good competition for Kenya in Nairobi.” About 18 players from the Khomas Region played at the trials, but strong contenders also came from Rehoboth (6), Tsumeb (5), Walvis Bay (3), Grootfontein (3), Outjo (3), Keetmanshoop (2) and Aranos (1).
Talent, far and wide
A number of players also travelled from universities in South Africa to stake their claim for inclusion.
The selected training squad of 35 players is due to be announced today or tomorrow, following approval by the Namibia Rugby Union Board. The two teams that contested the final trial match were as follows:
A Team: Kenan Walters, Liam Louw, Niel Holtzhausen, Kian Fransman, Franklin Karigeb, Samuel Poulton, Oela Blaauw, WJ Otto (kaptein), Sheron Rossouw, Dhale Cloete, Riaan Grové, Zander Bronkhorst, Bernd Beddies, Frikkie Engelbrecht and Herschell van Wyk.
Reserves: Friedrich Grobbelaar, Harry Ngasia, Edmando Coetzee, Rowan Jansen, Alexander Jansen, Brian Bayer, Geraldo Beukes and Coburn Claasen.
B Team: Jeandré Loubser, Wian Geldenhuys, Wilmar du Toit, Maandero Haimbodi, Lyle Beukes, Raschano van Rooi, Tyrese de Wee, Dwayne Feris, Henri Rossouw, Ethan Rittmann, Vihan Scholtz, 4 Itungua Rukoro, Lucky Mauha, Upahee Muhuura and Ernst Lowe.
Reserves: Michael Tjazerua, Brand Davids, Renier van Zyl, Kobus Wilders, Riaan van Zyl, Benjamin Boshoff and Nathaniel Isaacs.
WINDHOEK
About 88 players in total registered to participate in the trials building up to Namibia's campaign at the Rugby Africa Barthés Under-20 tournament in Nairobi (25 March to 4 April).
“Since the guys did not play rugby last year (due to the Covid-19 pandemic), it was tough for them playing more than one match today (20 minutes per half).
“Some players surprised me with their fitness level, but fitness is obviously an aspect we will be working on in our preparation,” Opperman said.
The coach expects to have a strong squad available for its mission to regain its African supremacy and qualify for the World Rugby “We seemed to lack a bit of depth in the lock department, but I believe we will have four or five locks good enough to take us through. I believe we will be good competition for Kenya in Nairobi.” About 18 players from the Khomas Region played at the trials, but strong contenders also came from Rehoboth (6), Tsumeb (5), Walvis Bay (3), Grootfontein (3), Outjo (3), Keetmanshoop (2) and Aranos (1).
Talent, far and wide
A number of players also travelled from universities in South Africa to stake their claim for inclusion.
The selected training squad of 35 players is due to be announced today or tomorrow, following approval by the Namibia Rugby Union Board. The two teams that contested the final trial match were as follows:
A Team: Kenan Walters, Liam Louw, Niel Holtzhausen, Kian Fransman, Franklin Karigeb, Samuel Poulton, Oela Blaauw, WJ Otto (kaptein), Sheron Rossouw, Dhale Cloete, Riaan Grové, Zander Bronkhorst, Bernd Beddies, Frikkie Engelbrecht and Herschell van Wyk.
Reserves: Friedrich Grobbelaar, Harry Ngasia, Edmando Coetzee, Rowan Jansen, Alexander Jansen, Brian Bayer, Geraldo Beukes and Coburn Claasen.
B Team: Jeandré Loubser, Wian Geldenhuys, Wilmar du Toit, Maandero Haimbodi, Lyle Beukes, Raschano van Rooi, Tyrese de Wee, Dwayne Feris, Henri Rossouw, Ethan Rittmann, Vihan Scholtz, 4 Itungua Rukoro, Lucky Mauha, Upahee Muhuura and Ernst Lowe.
Reserves: Michael Tjazerua, Brand Davids, Renier van Zyl, Kobus Wilders, Riaan van Zyl, Benjamin Boshoff and Nathaniel Isaacs.
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