Welwitschias set for Vodacom Blue Bulls showdown

The Welwitschias Invitational XV have named a strong 30-man squad for Saturday's international friendly against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at the Hage Geingob Stadium, with several players rewarded after last weekend's commanding 71-12 victory over Zambia.

The fixture headlines a full day of rugby at the Hage Geingob Stadium, with action beginning early in the morning and culminating in the eagerly anticipated clash between the Welwitschias and the South African visitors at 15:00.

The starting XV features a settled pack led by captain Prince Goaseb, alongside Otja Auala, Obert Nortje, Joshua Bester, Kistings Minyoi, Ruan Ludick, Max Katjijeko and Adriaan Booysen.

The backline sees AJ Kearns at scrumhalf, Wiks Tromp at flyhalf, with Tareekuje Tjipute, Danco Burger, SW Khun, Jurgen Meyer and Ashton Mukwiilongo completing the starting line-up.

The replacements are Gianluca Savoldelli, Edward Drotsky, Wikus Jacobs, Chemigan Beukes, Jano Otto, Johan Luttig, JP Campbell, Dhale Cloete, Thehard Lintvelt, Kyle Nel, Mchenry Kambatuku, Elzandro van Wyk, Niel Holtzhausen, Manfred Garoeb and Jaylon Carew.

Saturday's programme begins with the stadium gates opening at 07:30, followed by Tjokker Rugby at 08:00. The NRU Women's Division fixture between Wanderers Bokkies and United Gems Bokkies kicks off at 09:30, before Momentum My Zone NSSU League U19/P Pro-Ed U/19 face Roots U/19 at 10:45. In the NRU First Division, NUST take on Oceans Rugby at 12:15, with the Welwitschias and Vodacom Blue Bulls bringing the curtain down on the day's action at 15:00.

Tickets are priced at N$150 for the main pavilion, while general seating costs N$80 for adults and N$50 for children. Children under six years of age and pensioners will be admitted free of charge, with tickets also available at the gate.

For supporters unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on DStv Channel 285, GOtv Channel 25 and streamed on OneUpTwo.com.

Welwitschias forward Wikus Jacobs believes the Blue Bulls will provide exactly the type of challenge Namibia needs.

"It's going to be a tough game. Blue Bulls always turn it up when they play against us, and we can only learn from it and see where we have to strengthen.

"For the youngsters, this is a huge opportunity for them to represent their country and play against guys you only see on TV," Jacobs told Sport Wrap.

Following their emphatic victory over Zambia, where debutant Jaylon Carew marked his first appearance with a hat-trick, the Welwitschias will be eager to build on that momentum against stronger opposition as they continue preparing for future international assignments.

The encounter with the Blue Bulls is expected to provide another valuable measure of Namibia's progress while allowing the country's emerging talent to test themselves against top-quality opposition.