SWD too heavy at U16 Week
Schools rugby
The Namibian under-16 rugby team put up a brave performance despite losing their opening match at the SA Rugby Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in Gqeberha.
South Western Districts, a union renowned for top-performing rugby schools, won the match by twenty points (26-6).
Head coach Morné Rust said despite being out-muscled by opponents who averaged a 20 kg weight advantage, the Namibian team showed remarkable resilience and skill.
He praised the boys' efforts, noting, “SWD is a very strong union. Considering that SWD lost to Boland by just one point last week (20-19), it shows how well our boys did.”
At halftime, the score stood at 11-6 in favour of SWD, after flyhalf Sergio Pamplin (De Duine) had scored two penalties.
However, a late yellow card to captain and lock JJ Fourie (Pro-Ed Academy) for a professional foul left Namibia with 14 men for the final seven minutes.
SWD capitalized during this period, scoring two quick tries to end the match with a 26-6 result.
A minor knock suffered by replacement back Bootje Booysen (Elnatan) is not considered serious, but he will be sitting out the next match as a precaution.
Outside centre Handre Cocklin (Windhoek Gymnasium), suffered a hyperextension of the knee and will also be rested for match two against. Both Cocklin and Booysen are expected to be back in contention for the match on Friday.
Namibia will face Border Country District today at 09:20. The team's opening performance has instilled confidence that they can hold their own against strong opponents.
Despite the challenges, Rust remains optimistic about the team's prospects. “We stand a good chance if we play the same way we did against SWD,” he said.
Under 13 Craven Week
At Menlopark Hoërskool in Pretoria, the Namibian team sponsored by Sanlam was brought back to earth when Griquas beat them 39-15 on match day two of the U13 Craven Week.
Right wing Rijk Duvenhage (two) and flank Eric Quest scored tries for Namibia, which all went unconverted.
The Namibians had beaten Zimbabwe 19-12 on Monday, with Duvenhage also among the try scorers.
Today is a rest day, with Namibia due to play on Thursday and Friday again.
South Western Districts, a union renowned for top-performing rugby schools, won the match by twenty points (26-6).
Head coach Morné Rust said despite being out-muscled by opponents who averaged a 20 kg weight advantage, the Namibian team showed remarkable resilience and skill.
He praised the boys' efforts, noting, “SWD is a very strong union. Considering that SWD lost to Boland by just one point last week (20-19), it shows how well our boys did.”
At halftime, the score stood at 11-6 in favour of SWD, after flyhalf Sergio Pamplin (De Duine) had scored two penalties.
However, a late yellow card to captain and lock JJ Fourie (Pro-Ed Academy) for a professional foul left Namibia with 14 men for the final seven minutes.
SWD capitalized during this period, scoring two quick tries to end the match with a 26-6 result.
A minor knock suffered by replacement back Bootje Booysen (Elnatan) is not considered serious, but he will be sitting out the next match as a precaution.
Outside centre Handre Cocklin (Windhoek Gymnasium), suffered a hyperextension of the knee and will also be rested for match two against. Both Cocklin and Booysen are expected to be back in contention for the match on Friday.
Namibia will face Border Country District today at 09:20. The team's opening performance has instilled confidence that they can hold their own against strong opponents.
Despite the challenges, Rust remains optimistic about the team's prospects. “We stand a good chance if we play the same way we did against SWD,” he said.
Under 13 Craven Week
At Menlopark Hoërskool in Pretoria, the Namibian team sponsored by Sanlam was brought back to earth when Griquas beat them 39-15 on match day two of the U13 Craven Week.
Right wing Rijk Duvenhage (two) and flank Eric Quest scored tries for Namibia, which all went unconverted.
The Namibians had beaten Zimbabwe 19-12 on Monday, with Duvenhage also among the try scorers.
Today is a rest day, with Namibia due to play on Thursday and Friday again.
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