Namibia name preliminary World Cup squad

Namibia coach Phil Davies has named a 50-man preliminary World Cup squad following the conclusion of the Nations Cup. His team earned a narrow defeat over Uruguay in Montevideo but lost to the Argentina XV and were shut out by Russia to finish at the bottom of the four-team tournament.

The majority of the group come from the Welwitschias, Namibia’s domestic representative side that competes in South Africa’s Super Sport Challenge and the Currie Cup First Division, though they will skip the latter this season to focus on preparations for Japan. Only 14 ply their trade abroad.

There are 19 returning players from the 2015 World Cup squad, among them Harlequins loose forward Renaldo Bothma. Other notables include Cheetahs prop Aranos Coetzee, London Scottish lock Tjiuee Uanivi, current captain and center Johan Deysel, and former Exeter fullback Chrysander Botha.

The most notable absentees are a pair of uncapped professionals. Worcester lock Anton Bresler was born in Namibia but has yet to play for the national side, while Bulls outside back Divan Rossouw appears to be aiming for possible Springbok selection.

Namibia Rugby Union president Edward Mensah told World Rugby that others may yet become available.

“I am very positive about the group of players that we now have and that they will take it far. One should also consider that there are other players still to come from outside as well as certain players that need to return from injury who all stand a chance to make their mark and to return to take their rightful places in the team.

“It will not be easy because these guys as I have noticed are very determined. Those that were on the tour at the Nations Cup are dead set on maintaining those positions and to fight for their life to end up in the final 31-man squad for the World Cup.”

Other eligibles include Boland hooker Neil Rautenbach, West Harbour flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel, Griquas center Michal Haznar, and two-time World Cup winger Conrad Marais, now with Cognac in France. Loose forwards Leneve Damens and Christo van der Merwe are on the injured list.

Three warm-up matches will be played ahead of the tournament though their opponents remain undetermined. A planned two-match series against Uruguay had been suggested for several months though no official statement has been made by either party.

Waiting for Namibia in Pool B are three-time champions New Zealand, two-time champions South Africa, Italy, and Canada. Namibia have participated in the last five World Cups but are yet to find their first win with all 19 matches ending in defeat.

LH PROP
Simon Kanime (Welwitschias), André Rademeyer (Welwitschias), Desiderius Sethie (Welwitschias), Nelius Theron (Leopards, SA), Casper Viviers (Suresnes, FR)

HOOKERS
Obert Nortjé (Welwitschias), Louis van der Westhuizen (Welwitschias), Torsten van Jaarsveld (Bayonne, FR), Niel van Vuuren (Welwitschias)

TH PROP
Graham April (Welwitschias), Jason Benade (Welwitschias), Aranos Coetzee (Cheetahs, SA), AJ de Klerk (Welwitschias)

LOCKS
Ruan Ludick (Welwitschias), Adriaan Ludick (Boland, SA), Johan Retief (Leopards, SA), Mahepisa Tjeriko (Welwitschias), Tjiuee Uanivi (London Scottish, UK)

BACK ROW
Adriaan Booysen (Welwitschias), Renaldo Bothma (Harlequins, UK), Reinhardt Carelse (Welwitschias), Wian Conradie (Welwitschias), Thomasau Forbes (Welwitschias), Prince Gaoseb (Welwitschias), Max Katjijeko (Welwitschias), Rohan Kitshoff (Welwitschias), Janco Venter (Jersey Reds, UK), PJ van Lill (Bayonne, FR)

SCRUMHALF
Eugene Jantjies (Welwitschias), TC Kisting (Baia Mare, RO), JC Olivier (Welwitschias), Damian Stevens (Boland, SA), JC Winkler (Welwitschias)

FLYHALF
Cliven Loubser (Welwitschias), Mahco Prinsloo (Welwitschias), PW Steenkamp (Welwitschias)

CENTER
Darryl de la Harpe (Welwitschias), Johan Deysel (Colomiers, FR), Janry du Toit (Welwitschias), JC Greyling (Welwitschias), Justin Newman (Welwitschias)

WING
Dumarcho Hartung (Welwitschias), Lesley Klim (Ospreys, UK), Oderich Mouton (Welwitschias), Russell van Wyk (Welwitschias), PJ Walters (Welwitschias), Gino Wilson (Welwitschias)

FULLBACK
Chrysander Botha (Welwitschias), Chad Plato (Welwitschias), Johann Tromp (Welwitschias)