Namibia Missing Players to Face Uruguay

Namibia are missing players to face Uruguay this month, reports the Southern Times. Africa’s no 2 side will play host to South America’s no 2 side in a two match series in Windhoek. The teams play test matches on November 18 and 25.

The tour is groundbreaking. Never before has Uruguay played in the African country. It is to bring together two sides from Rugby World Cup 2015 who are seeking to qualify for Japan 2019. Namibia has qualified as Africa 1 for Rugby World Cups 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. Uruguay played in the 1999, 2003 and 2015 tournaments.

Known as the Welwitschias, Namibia will be looking for strong home support when they face Los Teros at Hage Geingob Stadium. They are targeting an improved World Ranking. At present they are ranked 21st in the world, three spots below Uruguay.

Namibia Rugby Union acting CEO, Elizma Theron stated:

“These matches are crucial in preparing the Namibian team for qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup during June/July 2018, as no other matches will be played before that. The test matches will also form part of the NRU centennial celebrations. We also want to eventually move inside the top 20 in the rankings.”

The Welwitschias enter the two match series without a number of regular names. Johannes ‘Aranos’ Coetzee and Torsten van Jaarsveld are not available due to the Guinness Pro 14 Championship Both play their rugby for the Cheetahs.

Head Coach Phil Davies is also without PJ van Lill, Janco Venter, Louis van der Westhuizen, Renaldo Bothma, Johan Deysel, Dirk von Weidtz, and Shaun du Preez to injury.

Divan Rossouw and Wian Conradie opted out of playing against Uruguay due to their studies. Second-rower Tjiuee Uanivi has been included despite only being available for the second test.

With a clear view to the future Davies has included eight players (denoted by *) who took part in the World Rugby u20 Trophy competition in Montevideo earlier this year.