International Rugby Test: Namibians to Be Tested By Ivory Coast

13.06.2009
Namibia v Ivory Coast in Abidjan (WCQ Africa R2; Africa Cup SF)

Preview
Although they haven't faced each other on a rugby ground, these two teams have an interesting history shared. It was Ivory Coast's shock 13-12 win against Namibia in 1994 which effectively eliminated them from the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. Two days later Morocco sealed the Namibians fate by holding them to a 16-16 draw. It was all heart-stopping stuff.


Namibia recently played two tests against the Argentine Jaguars, their 'A' team which is now in the USA, playing in the Churchill Cup tournament. Namibia were outplayed 7-62 in the first test but come back strongly to lose the second 8-19. Some of these players had the experience of playing against a South African XV for a Namibian Invitation side last weekend.


Namibia are without some their South African-based players including regular captain Badenhorst who played for Natal Sharks against the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday.


The Ivory Coast is placing a strong selection on the park with a number of France-based players. They will have the strong advantage of a home game but I expect the more experienced Namibians to just pull through.

Previous Encounters
12.09.1998 Namibia 22-10 in Casablanca (WCQ Africa RD)
16.06.1994 Ivory Coast 13-12 in Casablanca (WCQ Africa R2)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Namibia 2nd, Ivory Coast 6th

Prediction: Namibia by 8 points

Teams

Ivory Coast (Just some of the players)
Some of the foreign-based players in Ivory Coast squad:
Babou Edgar, Prop & hooker, Gennevilliers
Diomandé Olivier, hooker, Racing Metro 92
Dogoui Bedel, wing, Chateaurenard
Edouard Sydney, wing & centre, Lannemezan
Meité Bakary, back-row, Domont
Oulouma Jean Maurice, wing & full-back, Oyonnax
Tian Silvere, out-half & full-back, Oyonnax
Tian Landry, centre & full-back, US Bressane
Yavo Guy Pacôme, Prop, Canada
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116

Namibia Squad
Chrysander Botha (Kudus)
McGrath van Wyk (Western Suburbs)
Piet van Zyl (Boland Cavaliers, SA)
David Philander
Llewellyn Winckler (Stellenbosch University, SA)
Godwin Walters (Western Suburbs)
Jurie van Tonder (United Rugby Club)
Tinus du Plessis (2007:Stellenbosch University, SA)
Jacques Burger (Northern Transvaal Bulls, SA)
Jacques Nieuwenhuis (Aurillac, France)
Nico Esterhuyse (Boland Cavaliers, SA)
Wacca Kazombiaze (Birmingham & Solihull, England)
Marius Visser (Border Bulldogs, SA)
Hugo Horn (Rotherham Titans, England)
Kees Lensing (Castres, France)
Tinus Venter
Jacky Bock (Reho Falcons)
Eugene Jantjies (Farul Constanta, Romania)
PJ van Lill
Andre de Klerk
Johnny Redelinghuis (2007:Kimberley Tech, SA)
Shaun Esterhuizen (Stellenbosch University, SA)
Head Coach: John Williams

http://www.namibiasport.com.na/?q=node/7944 and thanks to ‘unrankedarmenia’s’ detective work at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116