Welwitschias face high-flying Griquas
The Welwitschias will have to fire on all cylinders to keep up with the high-flying Griquas.
The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias face another stern test against the Tafel Lager Griquas tomorrow at the Hage Geingob Stadium in the 2019 SuperSport Rugby Challenge.
A thrilling match is expected, given that the Griquas have shown great consistency and form thus far in the competition.
The Welwitschias will have to pull up their socks to make a contest of the clash. They lost their opening match against the Xerox Lions 23-40 and last weekend they also suffered the same fate against the Vodacom Blue Bulls, who ran riot against the Namibians in Pretoria, defeating them 87-21.
Welwitschias head coach Phil Davies admitted that they don't know much about the Griquas ahead of the clash, given that they played in different pools last year.
“We know a little about the Griquas, who are a very strong team, and we have planned accordingly,” he said.
Davies said the SuperSport Rugby Challenge is important in terms of their 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup plans, as it bridges the gap between club and international rugby.
“It is particularly helpful to the home-based players,” he said.
The coach added despite the fact that the SuperSport Rugby Challenge is considered a third-tier competition, behind Super Rugby and the Currie Cup, for the Namibian side it is the highest level of rugby they can play outside of the World Cup. He said along with a focused fitness plan, the competition is helping the players prepare well for the World Cup.
The Welwitschias are yet to taste success in the tournament so far. They occupy last spot in their pool with zero points.
Griquas, who lead the pool, are followed by the Lions and Pumas (all on 10 points). The Bulls and Griffons are fourth and fifth, respectively, with five points each. The Leopards are in sixth position with three points and the Valke have one point.
The match will kick off at 16:00. There will also be a curtain-raiser between the Unam third team and the Grootfontein Rugby Club. Tickets cost N$50 for adults ahead of the match and N$70 at the gate. Children's tickets cost N$10 ahead of the match and N$20 at the gate. VIP tickets are selling for N$200. Tickets are available at www.webtickets.com.na and Pick n Pay outlets.
The Welwitschias squad is as follows: Andre Rademeyer, Louis van der Westhuizen, AJ de Klerk, Ruan Ludick, Max Katjijeko, Ruan Kitshoff (vice-captain), Thomasau Forbes, Adriaan Booysen, Eugene Jantjies, Cliven Loubser, PJ Walters, Darryl de la Harpe (captain), Janry du Toit, Chris Arries, Niel van Vuuren, Desiderius Sethie, Morne Blom, Prince !Gaoseb, JC Winker, JC Greyling, Dumarcho Hartung, PW Steenkamp and Mogamat Emandien.
-Additional info SuperSport
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A thrilling match is expected, given that the Griquas have shown great consistency and form thus far in the competition.
The Welwitschias will have to pull up their socks to make a contest of the clash. They lost their opening match against the Xerox Lions 23-40 and last weekend they also suffered the same fate against the Vodacom Blue Bulls, who ran riot against the Namibians in Pretoria, defeating them 87-21.
Welwitschias head coach Phil Davies admitted that they don't know much about the Griquas ahead of the clash, given that they played in different pools last year.
“We know a little about the Griquas, who are a very strong team, and we have planned accordingly,” he said.
Davies said the SuperSport Rugby Challenge is important in terms of their 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup plans, as it bridges the gap between club and international rugby.
“It is particularly helpful to the home-based players,” he said.
The coach added despite the fact that the SuperSport Rugby Challenge is considered a third-tier competition, behind Super Rugby and the Currie Cup, for the Namibian side it is the highest level of rugby they can play outside of the World Cup. He said along with a focused fitness plan, the competition is helping the players prepare well for the World Cup.
The Welwitschias are yet to taste success in the tournament so far. They occupy last spot in their pool with zero points.
Griquas, who lead the pool, are followed by the Lions and Pumas (all on 10 points). The Bulls and Griffons are fourth and fifth, respectively, with five points each. The Leopards are in sixth position with three points and the Valke have one point.
The match will kick off at 16:00. There will also be a curtain-raiser between the Unam third team and the Grootfontein Rugby Club. Tickets cost N$50 for adults ahead of the match and N$70 at the gate. Children's tickets cost N$10 ahead of the match and N$20 at the gate. VIP tickets are selling for N$200. Tickets are available at www.webtickets.com.na and Pick n Pay outlets.
The Welwitschias squad is as follows: Andre Rademeyer, Louis van der Westhuizen, AJ de Klerk, Ruan Ludick, Max Katjijeko, Ruan Kitshoff (vice-captain), Thomasau Forbes, Adriaan Booysen, Eugene Jantjies, Cliven Loubser, PJ Walters, Darryl de la Harpe (captain), Janry du Toit, Chris Arries, Niel van Vuuren, Desiderius Sethie, Morne Blom, Prince !Gaoseb, JC Winker, JC Greyling, Dumarcho Hartung, PW Steenkamp and Mogamat Emandien.
-Additional info SuperSport
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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