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On Saturday Namibia and Kenya have everything to play for. The countries meet in an Africa Gold Cup match, one which doubles as a straight RWC qualifier with the winner booking the 19th of 20 places at RWC 2019 in Japan.
Both Namibia and Kenya are undefeated in the race to be crowned Africa 1. Their respective RWC 2019 qualifying campaigns have seen them being the stand out teams in the Gold Cup. Of the two the Welwitschias go into Saturday’s final as the top side. Namibia are three points clear of Kenya in the standings.
Namibia are the odds-on-favorites to qualify as Africa 1. This is based on prior results in addition to the Welwitschias having qualified for RWCs 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015.
The Welwitschias go into Saturday’s winner-takes-all match rested. Their prior match was a 58-28 win over Zimbabwe on August 04. In earlier matches Namibia defeated Uganda 55-6, Tunisia 118-0 and Morocco 63-7.
The Kenyans began by defeating Morocco 28-24 away. It was followed by a 45-36 win over Zimbabwe, a 38-22 victory against Uganda, and a 67-0 demolition of Tunisia.
The prior results in the RWC Qualifier Africa 1 series ultimately no longer matter. The grand prize of being crowned Africa 1 will come down to who wins in Windhoek on Saturday. The prize is none other than direct qualification for RWC 2019 and a challenging, but satisfying pool.
Africa 1 is to compete in Pool B of RWC 2019. Already confirmed in the pool are Tier 1 sides – Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa. The fifth competitor will be known in November as the 20th, and final, participant, books its place in Japan 2019.
Awaiting Africa 1 are matches in Hanazono, Toyota, Shizuoka, and Kamaishi. Matches are to be played from Sunday September 22 to Sunday October 13. Overall it is a highly positive draw as the Repechage Winner is to have three fewer days.
One of Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, and Africa 2 will be the Repechage Winner. The lower of Namibia vs Kenya will thereby not be eliminated from the RWC qualifiers. Qualifying on Saturday is, nonetheless, the favored path and the mission for both countries.
For Kenya to succeed the Simbas need to win on the road and do so against a line-up packed with RWC playing experience. Of the starting line-up seven players started in the RWC 2015 match against Tonga, Namibia’s closest rival in terms of pool results in England and Wales. They are – Chrysander Botha, Johannes Coetzee, Johan Deysel, Johann Tromp, Tjiuee Uanivi, Janco Venter, and Casper Vivers.
Namibia’s line-up is formidable but Kenya go into the match as a team playing great rugby. As demonstrated in the race to be Americas 1 and Americas 2 history is not everything. Canada were beaten by the the USA and Uruguay to underline the increasing unpredictability. Another remind came in June as Russia comprehensively defeated Canada in Ottawa.
TEAMS
NAMIBIA
15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Johann Tromp, 13 Johan Deysel (capt.), 12 Darryl de la Harpe, 11 JC Greyling, 10 Cliven Loubser, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 PJ van Lill, 7 Janco Venter, 6 Wian Conradie, 5 Tjiuee Uanivi, 4 Mahepisa Tjeriko, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Casper Vivers
Replacements: 16 Orbert Nortje, 17 AJ de Klerk, 18 Nelius Theron, 19 Max Katjijeko, 20 Adriaan Booysen, 21 Damian Stevens, 22 PW Steenkamp, 23 Justin Newman
KENYA
15 Tony Onyango, 14 Willy Ambaka, 13 Peter Kilonzo, 12 Darwin Mukidza, 11 Jacob Ojee, 10 Isaac Adimo, 9 Samson Onsomu, 8 Davis Chenge (capt.), 7 Elkeans Musonye, 6 George Nyambua, 5 Oliver Mang’eni, 4 Andrew Chogo, 3 Joseph Odero, 2 Colman Were, 1 Patrick Ouko
Replacements: 16 Peter Karia, 17 Moses Amusala, 18 Curtis Lilako, 19 Malcolm Onsando, 20 Martin Owilah, 21 Mohammed Omollo, 22 Felix Ayange, 23 Dalmus Chituyi
Date: Saturday August 18
Kick-Off: 4pm (local), 10am (Eastern), 7am (Pacific)
Venue: Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Livestream: World Rugby
