Benjamin Wickham
BORDEAUX, FRANCE, Sept. 20 — Namibia has undergone significant changes to their lineup for the upcoming Rugby World Cup match against hosts France on Thursday. This reshuffling comes in the wake of centre Danco Burger stepping in for the injured Le Roux Malan, who sustained a fracture and dislocation to his right ankle during last Friday’s heavy defeat to New Zealand.
The unfortunate incident led to a delay in the match as Malan received on-pitch treatment in Toulouse. Despite the setback, captain Johan Deysel will remain at outside centre, and wing Gerswin Mouton is among the three backs retaining their positions. Cliven Loubser will transition from full-back to fly-half.
Among the forwards, Prince Gaoseb will assume the No.8 position, while Johan Retief will take the openside flanker role instead of the lock. Johan ‘Aranos’ Coetzee will continue as the tighthead prop.
The head coach emphasized the importance of providing every player with the opportunity to participate in a World Cup.
After their encounter with Les Bleus, Namibia will conclude their Pool A campaign against Uruguay on September 27, offering them a chance to secure their first-ever World Cup victory. Namibia, participating in their seventh World Cup, has yet to win a match, having lost all 24 previous encounters. Their closest attempt was a one-point loss to Georgia in 2015.
The team’s mindset has been geared towards building up to their final match, aiming to field their strongest possible lineup. Despite the risk of another heavy defeat against France, Captain Deysel affirmed the team’s commitment to attacking rugby, prioritizing tries over kicking penalties.
He stated, “We’re not going to reach anything if we kick for poles,” regarding Namibia’s approach to kickable penalties. “We’re going for touch, and we’re going to try to score tries. That’s what rugby’s about, that’s the fun part of it, and that’s what the crowd likes. We’ll certainly go for touch again; we won’t back out.”
Team Lineup (15-1):
1. Andre van der Berg
2. Gerswin Mouton
3. Johan Deysel (capt)
4. Danco Burger
5. JC Greyling
6. Cliven Loubser
7. Jacques Theron
8. Prince Gaoseb
9. Johan Retief
10. Max Katjijeko
11. Adriaan Ludick
12. Mahepisa Tjeriko
13. Aranos Coetzee
14. Louis van der Westhuizen
15. Desiderius Sethie
Replacements:
16. Obert Nortje
17. Jason Benade
18. Haitembu Shikufa
19. PJ Van Lill
20. Richard Hardwick
21. Oela Blaauw
22. Alcino Izaacs
23. Divan Rossouw
Coach: Allister Coetzee (RSA)
Analysis:
Namibia’s lineup changes reflect their determination to make a mark in their match against France. However, they still face a formidable opponent in the hosts, who are favorites to win the Rugby World Cup. Namibia’s discipline in defense and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial in avoiding a heavy defeat. Despite the challenges, Namibia is motivated to end their World Cup campaign on a high note with a victory against Uruguay in their final match.
