Disrupted Kudus host high flying Unam
Rugby
Sparks will definitely fly when the two top placed teams of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Premier League clash at Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay. The University of Namibia (FNB Unam) will be in the harbour town to play FNB Kudus for the first time this season. Passionate home supporters are expected to fill the stadium for this occasion.
Should the weather cooperate and the wind stays away, running rugby could be the order of the day.
In the 2023 season, Kudus defeated Unam 24-8 away in Windhoek while the student team turned the tables by clinching the Chandler Plato Trophy (20-13) in Walvis Bay.
Unam arrives as the undefeated log leader, with the best defensive record in a close race among the leading three, including FNB Wanderers.
“We love what we do and enjoy playing our style of rugby. Our focus is primarily on the defensive aspect of the game because that is what will win the league for you,” said Russel van Rooi, head coach of Unam.
He attributed their overall success and unbeaten record to “a good off-season and the hard work put in by the players”.
Van Rooi says Unam knows exactly what they bring to the pitch for each game.
“We are however not going to the coast as log leaders. Tackling Kudus in their backyard is a tough assignment. We had three weeks off. The players responded well and our preparations are on track. The bodies recovered after five tough matches and we are blessed to be in a position to be able to field our best team.”
Depth test for Kudus
Kudus’ depth will however be stretched for this assignment, said Chrysander Botha, who has been roped in as a technical advisor recently.
“It is a big one for us and we will have to make do despite a lot of changes. PJ Walters (inside centre) is getting married and Lloyd Jacobs (fullback), Aurelio Plato (flyhalf) and Justin Newman (outside centre) will be in Windhoek to share his big day with him.
“Our captain Cameron Langenhoven (flank) is still out for a few more weeks with a knee injury and so is Michael Koopman (Namibia U20 flyhalf) with a shoulder injury,” Botha said.
According to Willy Muller, the secretary of Kudus, this scenario presents a chance for other players to claim their spots in the Premier League squad.
“We have some talented youngsters coming through the system this year. This presents an exciting opportunity for our young players to showcase their abilities and prove they are ready to shine in the blue jersey. No excuses will be accepted. We will field our strongest available team and have full faith in our boys to rise to the occasion and deliver an outstanding performance.”
Botha concurred with Muller. “We do not have a shortage of talent. Those we select in the absence of our regulars should grab this golden opportunity and prove their mettle. I have no doubt they will be up to the challenge.”
He said Kudus will have to restrain and curb Unam on all levels.
“Unam is a well-rounded, defensively organised team. Roger Thompson is doing a fine job. The fact that our visitors are still undefeated shows that they are busy with something good and that the project fits their players.”
Botha admits that his side has to improve its line-out performance. “Continuity is a problem since we are constantly forced to change and use different combinations. I am however happy with the consistency of our scrumming and mauls.”
Top-four beckons in Reho derby
The fifth- and sixth-placed teams, FNB Reho Falcon and FNB Rehoboth, will bring their neighbourly rivalry to the Dr Lemmer High School field on Saturday.
Frank Isaacs’ Falcon overtook Jood Opperman’s Rehoboth by one log point last weekend, but both are still fully alive in the race for the fourth semi-final spot.
• NTV’s live broadcast details on pages 2 and 4.
• Results, fixtures, log standings and news at www.fnbrugby.my.na/