I'm proud of the team – Mensah

LIMBA MUPETAMIThe Namibia Rugby Union president Corrie Mensah said he was proud of the team's performance at the recently ended 2019 World Rugby Nations Cup in Uruguay and also announced a preliminary training squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup.Outspoken Corrie Mensah said that he is proud of the team which not only competed, but measured themselves in terms of readiness to compete with Tier 1 countries. “I would like to thank World Rugby for a wonderful opportunity which allowed us to explore and establish our own destiny en route to the World Cup. “Although Namibia had mixed results, certain objectives were achieved which allow for growth. One of the objectives was to better Namibia's position on the world ranking chart and this mission was indeed accomplished,” Mensah said.He further congratulated the team for the excellent discipline and commitment during the duration of the tour saying discipline was especially seen in the second match game against hosts Uruguay, who they beat 30-28 in their second match.This, after they lost their first match to Argentina A: 39-25.“Of course, it is heartbreaking to know that Uruguay won the tournament at the end of the day, and that we were the only ones that could beat them in the play-off stages,” added Mensah.Namibia experienced a tough losing streak over the past. They exited the recently concluded SuperSport Rugby Challenge, ending last on the log without having won a match. They didn't also make any impact in the U-20 rugby tournament held in South Africa. All of these were for preparation for the Rugby World Cup and the Nations Cup which serves as one of the biggest tournaments in terms of readiness for the World Cup. “Initially, the boys didn't believe in themselves much, as you can imagine losing against U-20s whilst you play as a senior team. Eventually throughout the matches they found themselves in the position where they could appreciate the fact their opponents were also just players as they are, and could be taken on; this realisation unfortunately came a little too late,” Mensah explained.Referring to the third match against Russia (20-0) Mensah said rain played a big role in the results.“It was raining 24 hours prior and during the game. Even though we played on an artificial pitch, it didn't help much because it wasn't draining due to the repetitive rain. “It made it hard for our guys, coming from a country which is currently in a state of emergency because of drought, we don't see rain much and these conditions suited the Russians very well, as they managed to play on icy, slippery pitches. “The circumstances were not in our favour and one must acknowledge the physicality of the Russians which we knew would play a big role. However, in both losing matches we were able to walk away with pride and it's not as if we were hammered,” Mensah further added.On the positive side Mensah said there is quality possessed by the group of players and that there are other players still to join 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,” added Mensah.Namibia is scheduled to play two or three warm up matches prior to the World Cup. Dates and times will be confirmed soon.The training squad list: Forwards:Graham April, Jason Benade, Adriaan Booysen, Renaldo Bothma, Rheinhardt Carelse, Aranos Coetzee, Wian Conradie, AJ de Klerk, Thomasau Forbes, Prince !Gaoseb, Max Katjijeko, Simon Kanime, Rohan Kitshoff, Adriaan Ludick, Ruan Ludick, Obert Nortjé, André Rademeyer, Johan Retief, Desiderius Sethie, Nelius Theron, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Tjiuee Uanivi, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, PJ van Lill, Niël van Vuuren, Janco Venter and Casper Viviers.Backs:Chrysander Botha, Darryl de la Harpe, Johan Deysel, Janry du Toit, JC Greyling, Dumarcho Hartung, Eugene Jantjies, Helarius Kisting, Lesley Klim, Cliven Loubser, Oderich Mouton, Justin Newman, Jay-C Olivier, Chad Plato, Mahco Prinsloo, PW Steenkamp, Damian Stevens, Johann Tromp, Russell van Wyk, PJ Walters, Gino Wilson and JC Winkler.

I'm proud of the team – Mensah

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-27

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I'm proud of the team – Mensah

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-27

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