Sport

Namibia

World Ranking: 22.

Wed Sept 29 1999 - 01:00

World Ranking: 22.

Coach: Rudy Joubert. With vast experience of the South African game, he coached the Transvaal side and was technical coach for South Africa for the 1995 World Cup. Joubert is on loan to Namibia from SARFU until after this World Cup with his goal already achieved - qualification. Not a great deal is expected from this band of part-timers, whose preparation has been at best difficult. With Joubert's technical acumen they will be organised but even his experience cannot counter balance lack of player resources.

TACTICAL TURN: Regaining team morale is a priority as a racial dispute divided the sport after qualification. Black players and teams went on strike over the way they were being treated and their fairytale World Cup position was in real jeopardy. That dispute has been resolved and fire-in-the-belly approach combined with rugged athleticism should provide opportunities to worry but not, probably, upset. No further than pool stages this time around.

STAR TURN: Quinn Hough. One of the most capped players in this young squad. A cattle farmer when he's not playing rugby, his natural strength and dynamic ability from the back of the scrum has earned him the nick name "Bees" meaning Ox. Inspirational as well as being effective and able to mix it with the best, watch out for this charging captain.

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VERDICT: When part-timers meet professionals there is little to lose save a bit of pride. Namibia will not feature in anything other than the pool games and in these they will be looking at damage-limitation exercises. The will is there and with Joubert at the helm some structure is in place but not enough to rock the Pool to its foundations. In Hough and veteran scrum-half Riaan Rjanties they've two players who can make holes. Canada, at least, may find the going tough.

FINAL THOUGHTS: "To play in and qualify for the Rugby World Cup is very important for the continuation and development of rugby in Namibia, especially for our youngsters. We are grateful to be here."

- Wally Bredenhann (Namibia team manager).