Rugby Test: Namibia is almost at the World Cup

28.11.2009
Tunisia v Namibia in Windhoek

Venue: Stade National de Rugby d’El Menzah

Referee:

Preview
Namibia has the luxury of entering their 2nd leg home encounter against Tunisia with a five point buffer. Tunisia would have wanted a win at home due to the fact they do not have a good record against Namibia away. The fact they lost at home gives a distinct psychological advantage to Namibia.

Namibian coach John Williams has had to make some changes to the successful first leg win. Heini Bock and Jurie von Tonder are injured. Heinz Koll replaces veteran Wacca Kazombiaze, who moves to the bench.

Kees Lensing captained Namibia to their 1st leg win in Tunis. Image thanks to www.rugbyworldcup.com

Unfortunately I cannot find a word about the Tunisian team on the internet. They will certainly have a tough time to defeat the hosts by 6 points or more even though the locals have a few key players out in the backline. Perhaps Tunisia has a few injury worries as well.

Last Five Encounters
14.11.2009 Namibia 18-13 in Tunis (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup, Final)
07.10.2006 Namibia 23-15 in Windhoek (WCQ Africa R2, Grp B; Africa Cup, Grp B)
01.07.2006 Tunisia 24-7 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2, Group B; Africa Cup Group B)
12.10.2002 Tunisia 24-17 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R4)
28.09.2002 Namibia 26-19 in Windhoek (WCQ Africa R4)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Namibia 18th, Tunisia 27th
Africa Table-Namibia 2nd, Tunisia 3rd

Prediction: Namibia by 25

Teams

Namibia
15 Chrysander Botha
14 Tinus Venter
13 Piet van Zyl
12 David Philander
11 Bradley Langenhoven
10 Emile Wessels
9 Eugene Jantjies
8 Tinus du Plessis
7 Jacques Niewenhuis
6 Jacques Burger
5 Nico Esterhuizen
4 Heinz Koll
3 Marius Visser
2 Hugo Horn
1 Kees Lensing, Capt.
Replacements
16 Shaun Esterhuzen
17 Johnny Redelinghuys
18 Jane du Toit
19 PJ van Lill
20 Ismael du Plessis, New cap
21 Wacca Kazombiaze
22 Robert Herridge
Head Coach: John Williams

http://www.namibiasport.com.na/node/10030

Tunisia
Team list not yet available.