Rugby World Cup 2023 – Namibia’s line-up to challenge Uruguay with eight changes to the starting XV

After an inaugural defeat against Italy (52-8)a heavy setback against the All Blacks 71-3 et a 96-0 debacle against the XV of France, the Welwitschias will try to win their first match in this World Cup. A success would, moreover, be a first for them in a World Cup. Last August, the Namibians lost in Uruguay (26-18).

Eight changes to the starters

For their last match in this competition, South African coach Allister Coetzee made eight changes in the starting XV compared to the team beaten by the Blues. Former Bayonnais Torsten van Jaarsveld, as well as Jason Benade, Tiaan De Klerk, Montalbanais Tjiuee Uanivi, former Australian international Richard Hardwick, Damian Stevens, Valence-d’Agen player Tiaan Swanepoel and Alcino Izaacs enter the the starting composition. With the suspension of Johan Dyselfollowing his fault on Antoine Dupontit is Tjiuee Uanivi who inherits the captain’s armband.

If he comes on against Uruguay, Pieter-Jan van Lill, player of Capbreton-Hossegor in Regional 2last season, will play his 12^e Rugby World Cup match, which will make him the second most experienced Namibian player in the competition behind Eugene Jantjies (14 matches).

The starting XV : 1. Jason Benade, 2. Torsten Van Jaarsveld, 3. Johan Coetzee; 4. Adriaan Ludick, 5. Tiaan De Klerk; 6. Prince Gaoseb, 7. Tjiuee Uanivi (cap.), 8. Richard Hardwick ; 9. Damian Stevens, 10. Tiaan Swanepoel; 11. JC Greyling, 12. Danco Burger, 13. Alcino Izaacs, 14. Gerswin Mouton; 15. Cliven Loubser.

Substitutes: 16. Louis van der Westhuizen, 17. Desiderius Sethie, 18. Haitembu Shifuka, 19. PJ Van Lill, 20. Max Katjijeko, 21. Adriaan Booysen, 22. Jacques Theron, 23. Andre van der Bergh.