United we stand against Kudus
Rugby
Rugby fans can look forward to four entertaining matches this weekend.
The Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) premier league title holders Trustco United hosts FNB Kudus this weekend in Windhoek. United is placed in sixth place on the log with 24 points having recorded four wins, five losses and one win in 10 games. Log leaders Unam beat United 35-20 in their last match. Kudus is placed in the third position with 38 points. Kudus won seven and were handed three defeats in ten games. Kudus defeated Wanderers 51-27 in their last match.
The United coach, Robbie Dixon, said that the visitors from the coast would provide a stern test for his charges. “We owe them one and have a score to settle on our home ground. They defeated us with 17-8 at the coast. We will be very physical and could bring our kicking game for this encounter.”
Dixon said that the visitors have a strong pack and would definitely want to take United on up front in Windhoek. “They have two strong centres capable of distributing the ball and getting their backline moving. ”
He added that his side intends to stick to its structure. “We had a couple of good practice sessions. Jano Otto (lock) is injured but we have capable replacements available. We fine-tuned a couple of aspects of our game.
Commenting on the current form and league position of his team, Dixon said that the league was never decided in June. “We are now faced with a scenario of having to win all our remaining games to ensure our spot in the semi-finals. This is not impossible and can be done.”
Wilfred Muller, the secretary of Kudu Rugby Club, said that the coastal-based team is ready to take on United. “They are an unpredictable outfit. We cannot and will never underestimate them on any day. We are determined to win this match with the season now heading into its critical stage.”
He emphasized that a few players are still injured and said some will miss the game due to work commitments. “We are however excited to have Aston Mukwiilongo (right wing) back from a stint in Europe. He will surely add some flair to the team. I am also certain we have overcome the inconsistency that affected us during the first round and it is important that we manage the players effectively during this busy schedule.”
According to Muller the recent Kudus win against a weakened Wanderers has stirred up a lot of talk. “I do not doubt that if we had not secured the victory, there would have been significant criticism. People seem to have overlooked that we did not make excuses when we were also depleted during our match against Unam back in May,” he said.
The other matches will see Rehoboth (eighth) taking on Grootfontein (fourth) in Rehoboth, the log leaders Unam will be up against Dolphins at Unam and Wanderers taking on Western Suburbs at Wanderers Sport Park.