Rugby 2015 1 17 September 2015

A Date with Destiny

Russell van Wyk breaks away for a try against Russia. Photo: Helge Schutz

Compiled by: Helge Schütz & Johannes Aoxamub

Photo: Yvonne Amukwaya

Rugby World Cup A Publication of 2015 17 September 2015 2 2015

Foreword by NRU President

n behalf of the NRU board, I wish to skill, commitment, strength and endurance when congratulate all the players who have made they run out onto the field and take on our opponents it into our Rugby World Cup 2015 squad. during RWC 2015. OFor many of you it is indeed a dream come true and a I trust that you as players representing reward for all the effort and hard work that you have will be true ambassadors of our beautiful country and put in over the last couple of months. that you will show to the rest of the world that we as a Our road to qualification has certainly not been an nation are indeed a force to be reckoned with. easy one. During 2012 we found ourselves relegated Needless to mention that our participation in to the CAR 1 B division of the Cup and we this prestigious tournament would not have been had to fight our way to the top again. But we did our possible was it not for the generosity of our sponsors country proud when we defeated in 2015 Draught, First National Bank of Namibia, in a match which many of us will remember for years Air Namibia, Auas Motors, Paratus Telecom and so to come. many others who have made contributions. The last couple of weeks saw us defeating Russia, I must however extend a special word of gratitude Kenya and in test matches which can only to His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, our Patron, as be described as spectacular. All this could not have well as the government of the Republic of Namibia been possible without the work that the board, the for the commitment and support towards rugby in our team management, the coaches and other specialist country. staff put in over the last four years to create an To our team, each one of you deserves to wear the environment which allowed our players to perform. jersey. Make us all proud, play your hearts out, but In evaluating our setbacks and our accomplishments, don’t forget to enjoy the game we all love so much! I can only conclude that Namibia rugby has indeed In closing, I wish also to extend a special thank MAKE US PROUD … President Hage Geingob with Namibia bounced back. you to every other stakeholder of the Namibia Rugby captain . Our first match against the world-renowned All Union. Let us all get behind our team and enjoy Blacks will certainly test us to perform at levels never together over the next couple of weeks a tournament, experienced before. I am confident however, that our which will certainly be a rugby spectacle at its best. team will take this opportunity to display exceptional Bradley Basson Rugby team receives Presidential support Let the Rugby World Cup begin! ne of the biggest sporting amibian President Hage added. spectacles in the world, the Geingob is a big supporter of Earlier this month, President Rugby World Cup (RWC) the national rugby team and Geingob hosted the team to a Okicks off in tomorrow when Nhas played a major role in rallying the luncheon at State House, where he England take on in the opening nation’s support behind the team. once again urged them to shock the match at . Message When they qualified for the Rugby world, when they take on the world The 20-team tournament, which World Cup after beating Madagascar champions in their first will be played in 11 cities, will attract in June last year, he hosted the team to match at the Rugby World Cup in 440 000 overseas visitors and over 2 by CEO of NRU a luncheon on their return to Namibia on 24 September. million Britons in the biggest boost and congratulated them on their “I was dreaming that we are going to tourism in England since the 2012 remarkable achievement of qualifying to give the All Blacks hell. It’s going London . n August 2012 I accepted the challenge to A High Performance Centre was established and for their fifth successive World Cup. to be a heck of a game so please go It is estimated that the Rugby become the CEO of the NRU and the three main the players had the opportunity to prepare themselves “I would like to congratulate and fulfil my dream,” he said. World Cup will generate nearly 1 objectives set for me at the time was to firstly in a facility that enabled them to train at high intensity the Namibia and the Geingob congratulated the team on billion Pounds for Britain’s transport Iensure we qualify for RWC 2015, secondly that we on and off the field. Goal number two was achieved. for I’ve watched this its achievements and and tourism industries, while the 17 go to RWC in 20th position on the world rankings We participated in the Cup in 2015 an outstanding urged the players to matches to be played in London will and thirdly that a High Performance Centre be which assisted in preparing the local players for performance over team play three make their country bring nearly 200 million Pounds to the established to prepare our players for the demands of the international season ahead. We kicked the the weekend which times now and I proud. capital. high-intensity international rugby. international season off in June 2015 with a match in ensured that Namibia saw that they are “This is the Furthermore the unprecedented The year 2014 turned out to be one of the most Tunisia and then the Nations Cup in Romania. qualified for the 2015 fifth time that interest in the tournament was exciting and unpredictable qualification years of all In July we achieved a historical series win over Rugby World Cup. very difficult to you are going to underlined by the fact that more than time for RWC qualification. We lost our first match Russia and beat Kenya and Zimbabwe in August Your performance beat. So this time the World Cup so 90 percent of the 2,45 million tickets against Kenya in Madagascar and it seemed that to be crowned African champions for 2015. These brought joy and you must win at congratulations on have already been sold for what will be pride to the people qualifying again, we the biggest RWC tournament the world Kenya would qualify for RWC. We managed to beat results saw us moving up the rankings from 22nd to least one game at Zimbabwe narrowly, but without the desired bonus 20th place as of 21 August. Goal number three was of Namibia and are proud of you,” he has ever seen. point, which did not guarantee our qualification, but achieved. exemplified the the World Cup. said. The world’s top 20 rugby nations still left the door open. The team ended their preparation for the RWC bravery and never say “You have been will battle it out for ultimate glory in We were, however, dependant on the result in with a camp in where we had the opportunity die spirit of our nation,” he said. training under trying conditions the quadrennial event, and Namibia the Kenya and Zimbabwe match, which was won to train with the Springboks. A very valuable week “We are all aware that Namibia with some amateurs in your team will once again be there after having by Zimbabwe on the final day of the competition. indeed, and I am positively excited about the has been drawn in a tough group while rugby all over the world is qualified as the African champions. This result meant that if we won the match against prospects of the team’s performance at the RWC. which includes the New Zealand All professional now. But remember that Their qualification was a remarkable Madagascar all three teams would be on 10 log points, On 24 September we open our campaign against the Blacks and . However, this you are from the Land of the Brave so journey against all odds, and that and the team with the biggest points difference would world champions at a sold-out Olympic stadium, an is Namibia’s fifth successive Rugby go out there and make us proud,” he tremendous spirit and camaraderie will qualify for RWC. honour for any rugby player. We move on to Exeter World Cup and the time is right for us added. now be put to the ultimate test as they We ran onto the field knowing we had to win the where we will play and Georgia, at our home to progress from mere participants to Geingob said the team had it in take on the world’s strongest nations. match by more than 57 points, which was a huge ask, base for the RWC. history making giant killers. It is time them to win their first match at the This is the fifth time that Namibia but a determined team ran out and by halftime had The support from the people of Exeter will certainly to win,” he added. World Cup. has qualified for the World Cup but so already achieved that goal. The second half was a boost our team’s morale and the goal is to achieve our “I assure you that the whole nation “I’ve watched this team play three far they don’t have a good record on formality and we qualified for RWC 2015. The first first ever RWC win. We end our pool games against is behind the NRU and Welwitschias times now and I saw that they are very the world’s biggest stage. goal was achieved. Argentina who recently achieved their first ever win as you prepare for what we are sure difficult to beat. So this time you must They are yet to win a match at the From September 2014 an intense period of against the Springboks. An exciting campaign indeed, will be a historic and successful World win at least one game at the World World Cup, while their 142-0 defeat preparation followed and the squad went on a very and I want to wish the team all the best for the RWC. Cup campaign. Shock the world!” he Cup,” he said. against in 2003 is the biggest valuable tour to Europe two months later. Sybrand de Beer defeat in the history of the event. Rugby World Cup 2015 3 17 September 2015

A NATION’S PRIDE … Namibia’s Rugby World Cup team, front row from left: David Bothma, Conrad Marais, Jaco Engels, Casper Viviers and Johannes Coetzee. Third row: Philander, PJ van Lill, Chrysander Botha, Tinus du Plessis, Jacques Burger, Theuns Kotze, JC Greyling, Eniell Buitendag, Heinrich Smit, , AJ de Klerk, Louis van Johnny Redelinghuys, Eugene Jantjies, Darryl de la Harpe and . Second der Westhuizen and . Back row: Johann Tromp, Raoul Larson, Tjiuee Uanivi, row: Damian Stevens, , Russell van Wyk, Leneve Damens, Renaldo Janco Venter and Wian Conradie. Johan Jooste Photography Let the Rugby World Cup begin!

ne of the biggest sporting It won’t be much easier this time backline, they will fancy their chances. match temperament they will always spectacles in the world, the around as Namibia will be competing Their star player however could turn be a contender. Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Group C where they will take on out to be centre Sam Burgess, who At the last World Cup they reached Okicks off in England tomorrow when the defending world champions New recently switched from , the final before suffering an agonising England take on Fiji in the opening Zealand in their opening match on 24 where he won the World Player of the 8-7 defeat against New Zealand, while match at Twickenham Stadium. September at the Olympic Stadium in Year title last year. some of their best performances have The 20-team tournament, which London. England’s confidence also received come at the World Cup. will be played in 11 cities, will attract From there on they will set up camp a big boost when they beat Six Nations In 1999 they beat New Zealand 440 000 overseas visitors and over 2 in Plymouth on the south-west coast champions in their final warm- 43-31 in one of the greatest matches million Britons in the biggest boost of England for their next two matches retained the title, and this time around up match on 5 September. in World Cup history and eight to tourism in England since the 2012 against Tonga and Georgia in Exeter, they once again have a potent team. They have however been drawn years later they once again beat the London Olympic Games. which is about 70km away. They are led by a legend of the game in the ‘’ along with seemingly invincible All Blacks in the It is estimated that the Rugby Namibia will be targeting these two in Richie McCaw who is the Australia and , with the result quarterfinals. World Cup will generate nearly 1 matches to try and make history and most capped player in the history of that one of the three will not reach the Australia have looked impressive billion Pounds for Britain’s transport win a first-ever match at the World the game, while he has won the World knockout stages. under tough coach and tourism industries, while the 17 Cup, but it won’t be easy since both Player of the Year award a record three Ireland have been the most and this year beat the All Blacks matches to be played in London will teams consist of full-time professional times. consistent European team over the on the way to winning the Rugby bring nearly 200 million Pounds to the players and are ranked higher than In the pack they have two other past two years. They have won the Six Championship for the first time since capital. Namibia. World Players of the Year in Kieran Nations title for the past two years in 2011. Furthermore the unprecedented Namibia then travel to the central Reid and and in a row, and in this year’s campaign lot They have some exciting backs interest in the tournament was city of Leicester where they will face the backline they have stalwarts like only one match against Wales. like former Rugby League star Israel underlined by the fact that more than another tough task against Argentina in , Ma’a Nonu and Dan They boast one of the most Folau, and Henry 90 percent of the 2,45 million tickets their final group match. Carter, who twice won the World experienced squads at the World Cup, Speight while they have two of the best have already been sold for what will be One thing is for sure though - Player of the Year award while he has totalling more than 1 000 caps and will fetchers in the world in their pack in the biggest RWC tournament the world Namibia has already caught the scored the most points in the history of be led by experienced lock Paul O’ flankers Michael Hooper and David has ever seen. world’s imagination as a team mostly the game. Connell who already has 104 caps to Pocock. The world’s top 20 rugby nations made up of amateurs, fighting way And then there is their prolific try his name. But like England and Wales, they will battle it out for ultimate glory in above its weight, and this current scorer, wing who is Wales have been one of Europe’s top have received a very tough draw in the the quadrennial event, and Namibia squad led by the inspirational Jacques probably the best finisher in the game teams over the past five years and won Group of Death. will once again be there after having Burger, is bound to make its country with a great strike rate of 30 tries in 35 the Six Nations title in 2012 and 2013. are always contenders qualified as the African champions. proud on the world’s biggest stage. test matches. This year they narrowly missed out and this year will once again field a Their qualification was a remarkable If you are a betting person, New on the title on points difference and strong and experienced squad, which journey against all odds, and that The contenders Zealand look like a safe bet to win the shared a win and a defeat in two warm- includes nine players who won the tremendous spirit and camaraderie will title. up matches against Ireland last month. World Cup in 2007. now be put to the ultimate test as they As usual, New Zealand go into But New Zealand have yet to win Their hopes however suffered a These include legendary players like take on the world’s strongest nations. the World Cup as the favourites to the World Cup on European soil and major blow when their fullback and , , Fourie This is the fifth time that Namibia win the title. They are the defending this year’s event will be wide open, points machine and du Preez, and captain has qualified for the World Cup but so champions, having won at home with up to five other countries all in half were injured in , as well as up-and- far they don’t have a good record on four years ago, and such has their with a chance of success. their final warm-up match and ruled coming stars like , Damian the world’s biggest stage. dominance in been, that The hosts England will have out of the World Cup. de Allende and Handre Pollard. They are yet to win a match at the they have only lost three matches in home ground advantage and with a haven’t been that impressive The Springboks are expected to World Cup, while their 142-0 defeat the four years since. strong pack led by in Europe of late with their last Six top their group and qualify for the against Australia in 2003 is the biggest If they win the World Cup they and exciting backs like Jonny May, Nations title coming in 2010, but with quarterfinals where they could face defeat in the history of the event. will make history since no team has and Mike Brown in the their flair and unpredictability and big England or Australia. 17 September 2015 4 Rugby World Cup 2015

Johannes Coetzee: AJ de Klerk: Age: 27 | Jaco Engels: Age: 34 | Johnny Redelinghuys: Raoul Larson: Age: 31 Casper Viviers: Age 27 Age: 27 | Position: Prop Position: Prop | Caps: 5 Position: Prop | Caps: 12 Age: 31 | Position: Prop Position: Prop | Caps: 6 Position: Prop | Caps: 13 Caps: 4 | Club: Brive Club: Maties Club: United Caps: 46 | Club: Wanderers Club: SWD Club: St Naziere

Torsten van Jaarsveld: Louis van der Westhuizen: Tjiuee Uanivi: Age: 24 Janco Venter: Age: 20 Jacques Burger: Age: 32 Tinus du Plessis: Age: 31 Age: 28 | Position: Hooker Age: 20 | Position: Hooker Position: Lock | Caps: 10 Position: Lock | Caps: 8 Position: Flanker | Caps: 33 Position: Flanker | Caps: 43 Caps: 7 | Club: Caps: 2 | Club: Club: Brive Club: Maties Club: Saracens Club: Wanderers

Eugene Jantjies: Age: 29 Rohan Kitshoff: Age: 29 Leneve Damens: Age: 22 Wian Conradie: Age: 20 : Age: 25 PJ van Lill: Age: 32 Position: Scrum half Position: Flanker | Caps: 22 Position: Flanker | Caps: 3 Position: Flanker | Caps: 1 Position: Eighthman Position: Eighthman Caps: 43 | Club: Farul Club: Durbell Club: Wanderers Club: Uni Caps: 7 | Club: Caps: 38 | Club: Wanderers Constanta

Theuns Kotze: Age: 28 Darryl de la Harpe: Eniell Buitendag: Age: 26 Damian Stevens: Age: 21 Position: Fly half Age: 32| Position: Centre Johan Deysel: Age: 23 JC Greyling: Age: 24 Position: Scrum half Position: Scrum half Caps: 25 | Club: Bourg en Caps: 26 | Club: Western Position: Centre Position: Centre Caps: 13 | Club: Wanderers Caps: 1 | Club: UWC Bresse Suburbs Caps: 9 | Club: Leopards Caps: 8 | Club: Old Wesley

Danie van Wyk: Age: 29 Heinrich Smit: Age: 25 Conrad Marais: Age: 26 David Philander: Age: 28 Russel van Wyk: Age: 25 Chrysander Botha: Age: 27 Position: Centre Position: Wing Position: Wing | Caps: 8 Position: Wing | Caps: 23 Position: Wing | Caps: 4 Position: Fullback | Caps: 33 Caps: 13 | Club: United Caps: 11 | Club: Leopards Club: Beziers Club: Spotswood Club: Western Suburbs Club: Exeter

Wessel Kotze Pieter Rossouw Henry Kemp Roger Thompson Johan Tromp: Age: 25 Position: Position: Position: Position: Assistant Position: Assistant Position: Fullback Team manager Head coach Backline coach forward coach backline coach Caps: 18 | Club: Wanderers Rugby World Cup 2015 5 17 September 2015

here’s to a smoother kick off for our team. the rugby world cuP 2015

n May the Welwitchias run as smoothly as an engine oiled by Shell Helix lubricants. Congratulations for representing Namibia once again in the Rugby World Cup.

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Rugby has without a doubt been Namibia’s most successful team sport code since the country gained independence in 1990. Namibia missed out on qualification for the in South Africa, but since then Namibia has qualified for five successive World Cups in Wales in 1999, Australia in 2003, France in 2007, New Zealand in 2011 and the in 2015.

PIONEERS … The Namibian team that participated at the 2003 World Cup lines up before a match. Namibia at the Photo: Archive

France 1999 - Debut Australia 2003 - marked by infighting Humiliation down under

amibia qualified for the 1999 amibia once again qualified for the World Cup after beating 2003 World Cup in Australia, after Zimbabwe 32-26, Morocco 17-8 beating Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Nand 22-10 in qualifying NMadagascar in their qualifying pool. Their matches the previous year, with local 116-0 victory against Madagascar in 2002 coach Johan Venter at the helm. was their biggest ever victory, but the gulf Internal politics however played a role between these opponents and the world’s CLEARANCE KICK in his dismissal as a “concerned group” leading rugby nations was clearly exposed … Namibian scrum half claimed that there were not enough black at the World Cup the following year. Hakkies Husselman players in the team and labeled Venter a Namibia was poorly prepared for the clears the ball against racist and before he knew it he had been 2003 World Cup after administrative Ireland. Photo: Archive replaced as the national coach by his problems off the field, and disunity in the technical advisor, Rudi Joubert of South squad between the coach Dave Waterston Africa. and the players. Before the World Cup Quinn Hough a farmer from Gobabis had even started, two players withdrew captained the team who’s standout players from the squad due to differences with included fullback Lean van Dyk, winger Waterston, while assistant coach Paul Attie Samuelson, lock Heino Senekal and Kaplan also resigned. flanker Schalk van der Merwe, who was Namibia lost 67-14 to Argentina in their converted into a centre by coach Rudi opening match on 14 October. Argentina Joubert. scored 10 tries, including two penalty tries, Namibia were comprehensively beaten while Namibia scored two tries through 67-18 by Fiji in their first match on centre Du Preez Grobler and scrumhalf October 1. Fiji ran in nine tries, while Hakkies Husselman, which were both Namibia scored two, through prop Mario converted by flyhalf Emile Wessels. Jacobs and lock Heino Senekal, while Five days later Namibia lost 64-7 to fullback Leandre van Dyk added two Ireland, which at that stage was Ireland’s penalties and a conversion. biggest victory at the World Cup. Ireland A week later Namibia gave an inspired scored 10 tries while centre Corne Powell performance in a 47-13 defeat to France scored Namibia’s only try, converted by after trailing 23-13 at halftime. Attie Emile Wessels. Samuelson scored a great first half try, Their biggest humiliation however came cutting through France’s backline and against the hosts at the Oval on MOST AFFORDABLE diving over behind the posts, and after the October 25 when Australia swept Namibia match they were warmly applauded by the aside with disdain. Australia attacked from 34 000 French fans. the start, scoring one try after the other to HALF-TON BAKKIE IN NAMIBIA. That was however as good as it got as eventually run out 142-0 victors. It was the Namibia lost their final group match 72-11 biggest winning margin in the history of to Canada, after trailing 31-6 at halftime. the Rugby World Cup, and only slightly Captain and eighthman Quinn Hough behind the record winning score of 145-17 FREE scored Namibia’s only try. by New Zealand against in 1995. At the end of the tournament Namibia Namibia lost their final match 37-7 was ranked 19th out of the 20 competing against Uruguay, with lock Eben Isaacks CANOPY nations, just ahead of on points scoring the only try, to finish last amongst aggregate. the 20 nations.

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www.auasmotors.com AUAS MOTORS Terms & Conditions Apply. The car people with a 6th sense Model/s shown may differ. Errors & Omissions Windhoek Tel: 061 389 100 Gobabis Tel: 062 563 002/3 Swakopmund Tel: 064 405 900 Excepted. Otjiwarongo Tel: 067 302 037 Ongwediva Tel: 065 238 061 Walvis bay Tel: 064 203 610 IRISH CHARGE … Jacques Nieuwenhuis and Kees Lensing in action Mariental Tel: 063 240 705 Tsumeb Tel: 067 227 722 against Ireland at the . Photo: Archive Rugby World Cup 2015 7 17 September 2015

DOWN A BOK … Jacques Nieuwenhuis tackles South Africa’s Schalk Burger with team mate Lu-Wayne Botes looking on during a warm-up match for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Archive

BATTERING RAM … Namibian flanker Jacques Burger on the attack against the Springboks in a World Cup warm-up match in 2007 with teammate Tinus du Plessis up in support. Photo: Archive Rugby World Cup

France 2007 – History New Zealand 2011 - gutsy effort but could not repeats itself Courageous performances match Wales’ power as they lost their final World Cup match 81-7, after y 2006 the NRU and Johan Venter amibia qualified for the 2011 trailing 22-0 at halftime. had patched up their differences Rugby World Cup after beating Wales wore Namibia and he was once again appointed 13-10 and Zimbabwe down in the final quarter Bnational coach, but more consternation N35-21 in Pool A of the African qualifiers, and eventually ran in was to lay in store for Venter. before beating Tunisia 40-23 on aggregate 12 tries for an emphatic He once again qualified for the World in the final. victory. Cup after beating Kenya, Tunisia and With a strong and settled squad, led by For Namibia, lock Heinz Morocco in their group matches, and star flanker Jacques Burger and coached Koll scored a great try Morocco 52-15 on aggregate in the by Johan Diergaardt, Namibia was after a counterattack from African qualifying final. confident of winning their first match at the halfway line, which But history repeated itself as Venter the Rugby World Cup. was converted by Theuns was sacked on 13 June, 2007, allegedly But Namibia was drawn in the Group Kotze. because of unbecoming conduct for not of Death along with defending World attending a function in honour of the Champions South Africa, Wales, Fiji and William Webb Ellis Rugby trophy, and , and they once again lost all their was replaced by assistant coach Hakkies group matches. Husselman. In their opening match on 10 September The squad was captained by prop Kees they put up a gutsy performance before Lensing and included standout players losing 49-25 to Fiji. For Namibia lock like flankers Jacques Burger and Jacques Heinz Koll and fullback Chrysander Nieuwenhuis, and locks Nico Esterhuizen Botha scored tries while flyhalf Theuns and Wacca Kazombiaze. Kotze added three drop goals within four Namibia started off with a great minutes and two penalties. performance against Ireland, turning Four days later Samoa overpowered around a 27-3 halftime deficit to 27-17 Namibia to score a comprehensive 49-12 with tries by Nieuwenhuis and centre Piet victory. van Zyl, both converted by Emile Wessels, Namibia were playing catch up rugby before a late try gave Ireland a 32-17 from the start after Samoa scored their victory. opening try in the first minute, but The rest of the World Cup was however Namibia never gave up and with Jacques a bit of an anticlimax for Namibia as Burger giving an impressive display, they they were thrashed 87-10 by France, were rewarded with two second half tries with Nieuwenhuis being red-carded for a through centre Danie van Wyk and flyhalf high tackle on Marc Chabal, and 63-3 by Theuns Kotze. Argentina. On 22 September the South African Namibia’s points against France came Springboks recorded a runaway 87-0 via a drop goal by Wessels and a late victory against Namibia after leading 31-0 try by centre Bradley Langenhoven, at halftime. The Springboks ran in 12 tries converted by TC Losper. in total, while Bryan Habana set a new Namibia were hoping to register their Springbok Test try scoring record of 39 first World Cup victory in their final match tries. against Georgia on 26 September, but it With little possession, the outcome was was not to be as the powerful Georgians never in doubt as Namibia had to defend won the match 30-0 in a hard, physical for most of the match. battle. On 26 September, Namibia put in a

Coca-Cola supporting Namibia at the 2015

HANGING ON … Namibian wing Conrad Marais is caught by Springbok World Cup centre Jaques Fourie with team mate up in support at the . Photo: Archive 17 September 2015 8 Rugby World Cup 2015 Captain courageous - Jacques Burger

We are definitely acques Burger will lead his country for the second time at a Rugby Word Cup tournament after better conditioned making his debut as captain in New Zealand four and in better Jyears ago. Despite Namibia losing all of its matches, shape physically Burger gave some fantastic performances and at the end of the tournament was selected as one of the five - stronger and top players of the World Cup. He is also a standout faster and the ball player for his English club Saracens, helping them handling is also win the English Premiership this year, while he made better - so as a the shortlist for the 2014 European Player of the Year award. The Namibian spoke to Burger about the 2015 whole, the team Rugby World Cup. is definitely in a better place. How does this World Cup compare to the ? There are a lot of differences and I think things are done much more professionally now. We have the right structures in place, which we haven’t had for a long time, and you can see the management is working with a plan and working towards a successful campaign at the World Cup so I hope things all come together. We are definitely better conditioned and in better shape physically - stronger and faster and the ball handling is also better - so as a whole, the team is definitely in a better place.

Your first match will be up against the world champions New Zealand on 24 September. How do you think you will do? One has to be realistic - they are the best team in the LEADING FROM THE FRONT … Namibian captain Jacques Burger in action against the world and they often make top teams look bad. We are Springboks at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Archive rated 20th and a lot of our players are still amateurs so there’s a big difference. Argentina play in against the I can because I know it’s our duty to plough back into We will just go out and give our absolute best and All Blacks, the Wallabies and the Springboks, so it’s Namibian rugby. I’d like the youth to look up to the there is not much more that we can do. People have going to be very difficult. But that’s our aim - if you Namibian rugby team and the people who have lost to be realistic and look at what the All Blacks have don’t have a goal and something to work towards then trust in us must want to come back to the stadium to achieved over the years compared to who we are and it doesn’t help that you go to the World Cup - you have support us again. where we come from - I think we only have 1 000 to go to win a game and that’s our aim. registered rugby players in Namibia. New Zealand is How do you see the image of Namibian rugby? an incredible rugby nation and from a young age kids What does it mean for you to be a Namibian? There is still a long road to go and I think the grow up with a in their hands - they are the I’m very patriotic and I love my country a lot. I was image of rugby in Namibia has been damaged in the best in the world and it’s going to be very tough. It’s born and raised here and my family stays here and I past and people have lost a lot of trust due to things going to be the first time that we will face the so just have good memories of this country. I am also happening off the field of play. That’s unfortunate its going to be a great occasion and something that you very thankful for Namibian rugby for where I am today because the players have nothing to do with that, but will remember one day when you sit around the fire. - even though there have been ups and downs. By I think if we can get the politics out of rugby and get playing for Namibia I managed to play in England so I our structures right we can develop a successful team Do you think you can win a first-ever match at am thankful for that. which will inspire the children of Namibia and which the World Cup? But Namibian rugby has not been a good example will make the sport grow. I want this team to be role I think we can win but it wont be easy. Georgia’s for the youth for the last ten years or so, which is sad. A models for the people of Namibia and we must try rugby has grown a lot over the past few years and they country that’s so hungry for success - our people need and make people proud to be Namibian. For instance, have many more professional players than we do, who heroes and people who can inspire them and I think people must want to put on their Namibian jersey over play in France and across the world. that’s what we have to do, we have an ideal opportunity weekends instead of the Springbok jersey. But first we Tonga is always a very dangerous team and their to do that. I personally try and do that - I make time to have to win their trust and I hope we can make them players also play professionally across the world, and chat to people wherever I am and I try and help where proud at the World Cup. Namibia’s match venues

Sandy Park - Exeter

andy Park is situated in the south-western English city of Exeter and is home to the English Premiership team SExeter Chiefs, for whom Namibian fullback Chrysander Botha plays. It has a capacity of 12 500 spectators and will host three matches at the Rugby World Cup. Two of Namibia’s matches will be hosted at Exeter Park - against Tonga on 29 September and against Georgia on 7 October. The third match is the Group D encounter between Italy and Romania on 11 October. Olympic Stadium - London

he Olympic Stadium was constructed to serve as the host stadium for the 2012 London Olympic Games Tand is situated in the east London district of Stratford. It had a capacity of 80 000 for the Olympics but has since been renovated and will have a capacity of 54 000 people for the Rugby World Cup. From next year it will serve as the home of West Ham United Football Club. The Olympic Stadium will host four group matches, including Namibia’s opening match against New Zealand on 24 September, as well as the bronze medal play-off match. The other Group matches are France v Romania on 23 September, Ireland v Italy on 4 October and South Africa v United States on 7 October. Leicester City Stadium

eicester City Stadium is situated in the central English city of Leicester and is the home ground of the LEnglish football Premiership team Leicester City. The all-seater stadium was inaugurated in July 2002 and has a capacity of 32 262. It will host three matches at the Rugby World Cup including Namibia’s final group match against Argentina on 11 October. The other matches are the Group C match between Argentina and Tonga on 4 October and the Group D match between Canada and Romania on 6 October. Rugby World Cup 2015 9 17 September 2015 Captain courageous - Jacques Burger Namibia’s remarkable journey to the

amibia’s qualification complete a comfortable 45-13 for this year’s Rugby victory. World Cup is the stuff By winning the Division 1B Nof dreams - of legends and title Namibia gained promotion folklore - and of triumph against to Division 1A where the final all odds. qualifiers for RWC 2015 took The journey the team had to place in Madagascar in June undertake to reach the pinnacle 2014. was a long and arduous one and hardly seemed like ending Drama in in triumph when they were relegated to Division 1B of the If Namibia’s 57-54 defeat African Cup following their to Madagascar in 2012 was an return from the 2011 Rugby extraordinary result, no one World Cup. could have foreseen the drama, Then a broke NRU withdrew upsets and permutations that from the 2011 the 2014 qualifying tournament in Kenya and Namibia was would deliver. relegated to Division 1B where Namibia lost their opening they had to take on the likes match 29-22 to Kenya but of Madagascar, Morocco and kept their hopes alive with a Senegal the following year. narrow 24-20 victory against Playing at the Mahamasina Zimbabwe. Stadium in Antananarivo, When the final round of Namibia just managed to scrape matches arrived, Kenya, past Senegal with a 20-18 Zimbabwe and Namibia victory to qualify for the final were all still in with a chance against Madagascar. of winning the group, and In an extraordinary match, Namibia’s chances of success played in front of 35 000 were also dependant on the fanatical Malagasy fans, outcome between Zimbabwe Madagascar streaked into a and Kenya. 19-0 lead midway through the They had to hope that Kenya first half, and by halftime held a did not win the match or get WE DID IT! … The Namibian team celebrates after beating Madagascar to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 29-14 lead. a bonus point for a defeat of Photo: Archive Namibia came back strongly less than seven points, while in the second half and seemed Zimbabwe could not score more scored nine tries and with set for victory when they led than four tries for a bonus point Theuns Kotze giving a faultless 43-29 with 10 minutes to go. victory. kicking display with nine Madagascar however scored Things worked out perfectly conversions, they had streaked two late tries to tie the score at for Namibia as Zimbabwe beat into a 63-0 lead. 43-all and send the match into Kenya 28-10, while the Sables, Madagascar opened their extra time. astonishingly enough, spurned account with a try early in Here Namibia took a 54-50 a chance to get a fifth try and the second half, but Namibia lead but Madagascar struck an extra bonus point when maintained the pressure, back with a last minute try to they kicked for posts instead of running in five more tries for a win the match 57-54. going for a try in the final stages sensational 89-10 victory. With the defeat Namibia of the game. With that triumph in made a bit of unwanted history This laid the platform for Antananarivo they qualified as it was the highest score for a Namibia’s final match against for their fifth successive losing team in an international Madagascar, but the odds were Rugby World Cup, while they . Madagascar were heavily stacked against Namibia banished their 2012 defeat promoted to Division 1A while as they had to win the match by to Madagascar to the history Namibia remained in 1B, where at least 53 points to finish on top books. they had one more chance to of the group. 8 July 2012 qualify for the 2015 World Cup Namibia however took Madagascar 57 Namibia when the Division 1B qualifier destiny in their own hands 54 (Madagascar win took place in Senegal in June and with an astonishing Africa Cup Div 1B) 2013. performance, ran Madagascar Namibia beat the hosts off the park. 15 June 2013 Senegal 35-12 in their opening Their tearaway eighth man Namibia 45 Tunisia 13 match to qualify for the final, Renaldo Bothma opened the (Namibia win Africa Cup where they came up against scoring when he barged over Div 1B) Tunisia. for a try and from then on it By halftime Namibia held was one way traffic as Namibia 5 July 2014 a narrow 13-6 lead but they attacked at every opportunity Namibia 89 Madagascar AFRICAN CHAMPIONS … The Namibian team poses with then Prime Minister Hage turned on the style to run in four from all corners of the field. 10 (Namibia win Africa Geingob and Minister of Health Richard Kamwi on their return from Madagascar last more tries in the second half and By halftime they had already Cup Div 1A) year. Photo: Archive Namibia rugby statistics

Most Points: 9 Johan Barnard 24 Theuns Kotze, Gerhard Mans, 10 Quinn Hough 8 Johan Tromp, Herman Lintvelt, Morne Schreuder 335 Jaco Coetzee Attie Samuelson, Basie 22 Theuns Kotze Youngest Players: 309 Theuns Kotze Buitendag 20 Theuns Kotze, Eden Meyer 158 Morne Schreuder 7 Renaldo Bothma, Jaco Kotze Andre de Klerk 18 years 176 days Most Caps: 147 Chrysander Botha 6 David Philander, Tinus du Most tries in a match: Ryan Witbooi 18 years 342 days 118 Gerhard Mans Plessis, Jacques Nieuwenhuis, Morne Louw 18 years 345 days 46 Johnny Redelinghuys 109 Rudi van Vuuren Jaco Coetzee, Quinn Hough, 6 Gerhard Mans 43 Eugene Jantjies, Tinus du 98 Eden Meyer Andre Stoop, Henning 5 Riaan van Wyk Oldest Players: Plessis 94 Emile Wessels Snyman, Deon Mouton, Ben 4 Renaldo Bothma, Eden Meyer, 38 PJ van Lill 70 Lean van Dyk Swartz, Stephan Smith Melrick Africa Manie Grobler 38 years 187 days 35 67 Jaco Kotze 5 Johnny Redelinghuys, Jacques 3 Gerhard Mans, Basie Khaki Goosen 36 years 103 days 33 Chrysander Botha, Jacques Burger, Heinrich Smit, Conrad Buitendag, Attie Samuelson, Jane du Toit 35 years 359 days Burger, Nico Esterhuyse, Most Tries: Marais, Russel van Wyk Ben Swartz, Johan Barnard, Herman Lintvelt Conrad Marais Biggest Test victory: 28 Jaco Coetzee, Casper Dercks 27 Gerhard Mans Most points in a match: 27 Gerhard Mans, Heino Senekal, 21 Eden Meyer Most matches as captain: 112-0 vs Madagascar, 15 June 2002 Henning Snyman 16 Chrysander Botha 33 Justinus van der Westhuizen 26 Darryl de la Harpe, Corne 12 Melrick Africa 30 Jaco Coetzee 26 Gerhard Mans Biggest Test defeat: Powell 11 Rohan Kitshoff 29 Chrysander Botha 14 Jacques Burger 25 Du Preez Grobler, Theuns Kotze 10 Corne Powell, Du Preez 26 Moolman Olivier 13 Corne Powell 142-0 vs Australia, 25 October 2003 24 Deon Mouton Grobler, Riaan van Wyk 25 Theuns Kotze, Riaan van Wyk 12 Kees Lensing 17 September 2015 10 Rugby World Cup 2015 Rugby World Cup 2015 11 17 September 2015 JHB 49848/OJ As seen on DStv

ALL 48 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 MATCHES LIVE 18 SEPTEMBER – 31 OCTOBER. Only SuperSport brings you expert analysis from local and international pundits on all Rugby World Cup 2015 matches. Our rugby buffs will meticulously break down each game during the match build-up. Followed by an action-packed wrap-up after the final whistle. If you miss a game, all the extended highlights are available on DStv Catch Up.

N$699 #SSRUGBY p/m The Event Mark is protected by Trade Mark and Copyright. TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008 – 2015. All rights reserved. 17 September 2015 12 Rugby World Cup 2015 Namibia beat Russia 2-0

s part of their team, led by flanker to break down Russia’s preparation for the Jacques Burger, who was defence. Rugby World Cup, playing in Namibia for the Nothing much ANamibia hosted Russia in first time since November separated the sides at a two-test series in July. 2009. halftime with Namibia DETERMINED … Namibia had never Namibia got their holding a narrow Namibian centre beaten Russia before, with Windhoek Draught 13-12 lead, but two Johan Deysel on the Russians winning their Friendship Series off to a opportunistic tries and the attack in the two previous encounters winning start with a 39-19 a strong finish by the first test against in Windhoek 31-12 in victory against Russia on home side saw Namibia Russia, with team 1994 and 30-15 in 2010. 11 July, but although they complete a comfortable mate JC Greyling up This time however scored some scintillating victory. in support. Photo: Russia came up against a tries, they played in fits Namibia scored five Helge Schutz much-improved Namibian and starts and struggled tries through Eugene Jantjies, JC Greyling, Johan Deysel and a brace by man of the match Russell van Wyk, while Theuns Kotze added two penalties and three conversions and Eugene Jantjies one conversion. Russia scored three First Nat Bank tries through Igor Galinovsky, Viktor Gresev 30x6 and Danila Chegodaev while Yury Kushnarev added two conversions. A week later, Namibia gave an improved 100% performance as they beat Russia 45-5 to win the Test series 2-0. Namibia led 16-5 at halftime but turned on the screws in the second half to run in a total of five tries for a comfortable win. Right wing Conrad Marais scored a hat-trick behind of tries and left wing Russell van Wyk scored a try, while fly half Theuns Kotze won the man of the match award with a personal tally of 25 points, consisting of a try, four conversions and four penalties. It was a great all-round performance by Namibia our boys. who defended with grit and determination and attacked with flair and pace. It was also a step-up We’re not just sponsors. We’re believers. from the first test, with Namibia displaying more urgency and clinical We know the Welwitschia team will make finishing the second time around. Namibian captain, Namibia proud at the Rugby World Cup. Jacques Burger was ecstatic with the series win. So let’s give them all the support we can. “I'm extremely proud to get back-to-back test victories. It's been a while since that happened in a Namibian jersey. It's an incredible feeling,” Burger said after the pulsating encounter. “A lot of things have changed in the last couple of months but the one thing that has not changed is the attitude of the boys. “You can see the boys train hard. We've worked extremely hard and added a couple of new things to improve in the last two weeks. If you put in the hard work and put in your heart, it pays off and it showed out here today,” Burger said. Rugby World Cup 2015 13 17 September 2015 Namibia beat Russia 2-0 Rugby Development to break down Russia’s defence. Nothing much in Namibia separated the sides at halftime with Namibia holding a narrow he Namibia Rugby Union is hard 13-12 lead, but two at work to develop and transform the game of rugby throughout the opportunistic tries and Tlength and breadth of the country. a strong finish by the In collaboration with Rugby World, home side saw Namibia the NRU launched the ‘Get into Rugby’ complete a comfortable programme two years ago which saw victory. them introducing taking rugby to primary Namibia scored five schools in the rural areas through the tries through Eugene popular ‘tag rugby’ concept. Jantjies, JC Greyling, Henry Kemp who was the NRU’s Johan Deysel and a brace development manager at the time, by man of the match spearheaded the successful programme, Russell van Wyk, while TEARAWAY FLANKER … Namibian flanker which has seen more than 4 000 young Theuns Kotze added Wian Conradie on the attack against Kenya with children introduced to the game of rugby. two penalties and three captain Jacques Burger up in support. Photo: “Get into Rugby is geared towards children who haven’t been involved in conversions and Eugene Helge Schutz rugby before. The system is quite easy to Jantjies one conversion. understand because there is no contact or Russia scored three tackling, so you can have girls playing tries through Igor against boys because the emphasis is on Galinovsky, Viktor Gresev Namibia win skills, like getting the players to distribute and Danila Chegodaev the ball more quickly and running into while Yury Kushnarev space in stead of just trying to run over HARD WORK … Namibia’s strength and conditioning coach Wayne added two conversions. opponents like we were used to in South Proctor puts prop forward Jaco Engels through his paces at the High Performance Centre. Photo: Helge Schutz A week later, Namibia Africa Cup Africa and Namibia,” he said. gave an improved “We started the programme in Namibia in 2013 and my job was to go to schools performance as they beat amibia won the Africa Cup Division 1A trophy after that had never played the game before, sell the game to them. A lot of people still an unused building on its premises into a Russia 45-5 to win the thrashing Zimbabwe 80-6 in their final World Cup but mainly focussing on the rural areas. think its a ‘white man’s sport’ so there is a High Performance Centre, with the aim Test series 2-0. warm-up match on 15 August. I travelled all the way to Katima Mulilo, bit of a stigma attached to it that we have of leaving a lasting legacy for Namibian Namibia led 16-5 at NNamibia held a 28-6 lead at the break but the floodgates where I got a few schools involved; I went to get rid of because rugby is for all and rugby that would continue after the World opened in the second half as they ran in a total of 12 tries to halftime but turned on the to Rundu, Oshakati and Ondangwa and that’s part of the IRB values - ‘a game for Cup. complete an emphatic victory in their final warm-up match screws in the second half then all the way down to Rosh Pinah. In all, played for all.’” The NRU’s director of rugby John before the start of the World Cup. to run in a total of five the first couple of months we got about 4 “If we can get this programme Williams said that head coach Phil It was Namibia’s biggest ever victory against Zimbabwe and tries for a comfortable 000 kids taking part in the programme and implemented at schools that have never Davies would play an important role in completely overshadowed their narrow 24-20 victory against win. they loved it, especially the girls, because played the game before, then the numbers developing the centre. the same side in Madagascar last year. Right wing Conrad now they could compete against the boys will grow, because you don’t need a grass “We have started a High Performance Namibian flanker and captain for the day, Rohan Kitshoff Marais scored a hat-trick on an equal basis - it had a huge impact, pitch and you can play on sand as well,” Centre and Phil will help to develop a scored three tries and won the man of the match award, and built confidence and taught them he said. programme so that we can continue with of tries and left wing while left wing Russel van Wyk and prop forward Johnny skills,’ he said. Kemp said it was a huge challenge to it after the World Cup. The centre will Russell van Wyk scored a Redelinghuys each scored two tries. Kemp also met the national coordinator develop rugby in Namibia, while funding include strength and conditioning, game try, while fly half Theuns The other try scorers were centres JC Greyling and Johan of the Namibia Schools Sport Union was a major problem. analysis and all aspects of an efficient Kotze won the man of Deysel, eighthman Renaldo Bothma, substitute eighthman PJ (NSSU), Solly Duiker and asked him if “There’s plenty of talent in the rural high performance programme. We are also the match award with van Lill and flanker Tinus du Plessis. he could introduce the concept at primary areas, but its a big challenge just to keep looking at starting a rugby academy, with Fly-half Theuns Kotze had a great day with the boot, a personal tally of 25 schools. the programme sustainable,” he said. the aim of selecting a high performance converting 10 of the tries for a total of 20 points. points, consisting of a try, Duiker pledged that all Primary Schools “The development programme is not group which will work on certain skills Zimbabwe’s only points came via two penalties by fly-half four conversions and four that wanted to be part of the programme just about the Rip Rugby programme, week in and week out,” he said. Tichafara Makwanya. penalties. could play ‘Rip Rugby’ - the non-contact it’s about equipping coaches and getting “The idea is to get clubs to use the Namibia’s forwards laid the platform for the victory with It was a great all-round form of the programme - and the numbers them involved so we have to look at the centre, as well as all the national age a powerful display in the scrums and the line-outs while their performance by Namibia of participants soon started to grow. bigger picture and the system as a whole group teams, the senior national team and rolling mauls were very impressive. who defended with grit “At one school they had one team for to see where we can get them involved in the Sevens team. We might also avail it to Kitshoff excelled with his high work rate while Renaldo the U-7 and U-8 players but since we the whole process. With Namibia being a other sport codes,” he added. and determination and Bothma once again impressed with his explosive runs. started implementing Rip Rugby they country with huge distances to travel, it’s Davies said they are also looking at attacked with flair and Amongst the backs, Theuns Kotze stood out with his now have seven teams within those two difficult to implement, so we need people creating a Rugby Academy. pace. all-round game while Russell van Wyk, John Deysel and JC age groups so the numbers are growing,” in all the areas of the country so that they “We are also looking at an Academy It was also a step-up Greyling all put in strong performances. Kemp said. can organise the various activities in their and a club system to create a national from the first test, with After the match Namibian captain Kitshoff said their hard According to Kemp, he also had to regions, but for that you need funding and development pathway to develop more Namibia displaying more work was paying off. struggle to change the perception of rugby it’s a huge challenge,” he added. Namibian players. I’ve talked to some “The scoreline flattered us a bit and we had to really graft to urgency and clinical being a ‘white man’s sport.’ club coaches so we are looking at get the points, but we kept on kicking down the wall and in the finishing the second time “In 2013 I travelled 16 000km by car implementing a license system based on last 20 minutes it showed. High Performance Centre around. just to get to the various areas because facilities and a five-year plan to improve We are definitely on an upward curve - we worked a lot on Namibian captain, I had to meet the school principals and The NRU meanwhile also transformed coaching structures,” he said. Jacques Burger was our structures and set-pieces over the past four weeks and it is now starting to pay off,” he said. ecstatic with the series Kitshoff commended his team’s character. win. “The spirit in the group is awesome. I think we are a good “I'm extremely proud group of guys with strong characters and that’s what’s going to get back-to-back test to count during the World Cup. That’s when the characters are victories. It's been a while going to be revealed, so it’s always good to have a lot of leaders since that happened in who show good character,” he said. a Namibian jersey. It's A week earlier Namibia beat Kenya 46-13 to go to the top an incredible feeling,” of the Africa Cup Division 1A log and exact revenge for their Burger said after the 29-20 defeat last year. pulsating encounter. That defeat in Madagascar nearly derailed Namibia’s “A lot of things have qualification for the World Cup, but Namibia were in a changed in the last couple different league on 8 August. of months but the one They dominated from the start and took a 25-6 lead at the break before eventually running in six tries to one. thing that has not changed Flyhalf Theuns Kotze once again had a great game, is the attitude of the boys. creating several tries, while he added 16 points with the boot, “You can see the boys consisting of five conversions and two penalties. train hard. We've worked Darryl de la Harpe scored two tries and David Philander, extremely hard and added Renaldo Bothma and Chrysander Botha one each, while a couple of new things to Namibia also got a penalty try. improve in the last two For Kenya, left wing Jacob Ojee scored a late intercept weeks. If you put in the try, while centre Darwin Mukidza added two penalties and a hard work and put in your conversion. heart, it pays off and it Lock forward Tjiuee Uanivi had a great match in the loose showed out here today,” and the line-outs and was awarded the man of the match Burger said. award. Namibia’s new caps flanker Wian Conradie and scrum half Damian Stevens also made fine debuts, with Conradie putting in numerous storming runs, while Stevens gave a sharp service to his backline. SPREADING THE GAME … Some children playing ‘Rip Rugby’ in northern Namibia during a development clinic by the NRU. Photo: contributed 17 September 2015 14 Rugby World Cup 2015

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Group A Also known as the ‘Group of Death’, the outcome of Group A is the most difficult to predict. An unkind draw has seen three of the top six nations in the world beign drawn together with the result that one of Australia (ranked second in the world), Wales (ranked fifth) and the host nation England (sixth) will not make the quarterfinals. Then there are still the magical Fijians (ranked ninth) who reached the quarterfinals in 2007 and could spring a surprise, while 19th ranked and un-fancied Uruguay completes the group.

MULTI-SKILLED … Australia LOOK OUT … fullback Israel England wing Folau on the attack Jonny May in against New action against Zealand. Photo: Samoa. Photo: Nampa-AP Nampa-Reuters Australia England

ustralia are one of the most successful Before that they beat South Africa 24-20 in ngland have won the World Cup once 19-14 on their home ground at Twickenham on rugby nations in the world and one of after a last minute try by centre Tevita before and as the hosts for this year’s 15 August, but losing 25-20 in a week later. only three countries to have won the Kuridrani and Argentina 34-9 in Mendoza. tournament they will fancy their chances They also beat Ireland 21-13 at Twickenham on AWorld Cup on two occasions. They have a good mixture of youth and Eof doing so again. 5 September. In 1991 their captain Nick Farr-Jones lifted experience with three of their players - captain They won the trophy in 2003 when Johnny England have a big pack of forwards which the trophy for the first time after they beat and hooker Stephen Moore, centre Matt Wilkinson landed a drop goal in extra time to includes captain and flanker Chris Robshaw, England 12-6 in the final, while Giteau and wing Adam Ashley Cooper - all beat Australia 20-17, while they finished as flanker and the Vunipola brothers led them to victory in 1999 when they beat playing at their third World Cups, while 13 runners-up twice - in 1991 and 2007. prop Mako and eighthman Billy who were born France 35-12 in the final. players will be making their debut at the England are currently ranked sixth in the in Tonga. Besides that the Wallabies finished as World Cup. world but there is very little to choose between Amongst the backs fly half Owen Farrell, runners-up in 2003 when they lost 20-17 to Some of their outstanding players include them and third-ranked Ireland, judging by this wing Jonny May and fullback Mike Brown stand England after extra time, while they finished the multi-talented fullback who year’s . out, but centre Sam Burgess, could emerge as third in 2011 and fourth in 1987. was a Rugby League star before changing In one of the most exciting finishes in memory, their star player. They are once again one of the favourites codes; the ball-winning flankers Michael England, Ireland and Wales all finished joint top Before switching to Rugby Union this year, to win the trophy this year and underlined that Hooper and , the mercurial of the log, with Ireland narrowly winning the he excelled as a Rugby League player and last status by winning the Rugby Championship for flyhalf Quade Cooper and their exciting backs trophy on points difference. year became the first Englishman to win the the first time since 2011, after beating the All , and Tevita Over the past month England have played International Rugby League Player of the Year Blacks 27-19 on 8 August. Kuridrani. two warm-up matches against France, winning award.

NO WAY THROUGH … Wales centre IN FULL FLIGHT is … Fiji flanker Dom tackled by Kieran Waqaniburotu on Reid of New the charge against Zealand. Photo: Canada. Photo: Nampa-AP Nampa-AFP Wales Fiji

ales are currently ranked fifth in the winning the first encounter 35-21 in , but iji are renowned for their flair and In the run-up to this year’s World Cup world and as a co-host of the World Wales bounced back to win the second one 16-10 prowess at Sevens rugby, having won the they had a successful campaign in the Pacific Cup, they will also fancy their chances in . Sevens World Cup twice and producing Nations Cup tournament as they won the Wto do well. The Welsh have a proud On 5 September they beat Italy 23-19 in Flegends of the game like and trophy after beating Samoa 39-29 in the final. history as one of the top ranked nations in the Cardiff but lost fullback Leigh Halfpenny and Marika Vunibaka. They had earlier drawn 30-30 against Samoa world while they have consistently done well at scrum half Rhys Webb due to injury and they They have not been that successful in the in the group stages, while beating Tonga 30-22 the World Cup. were later ruled out of the World Cup. 15-man code, but with their natural flair and and Japan 27-22. In 2011 they narrowly missed out on a place Especially Halfpenny’s withdrawal is a huge quicksilver backs, they are capable of beating They are captained by flanker in the final when they lost 9-8 to France in the setback since he is Wales’ star kicker and their the best. who will be appearing at his third World Cup, semifinals before eventually finishing fourth. third highest point scorer in history. The ‘Flying Fijians’ who are currently while they have two vice-captains in centre They also finished third at the inaugural World Flanker will once again ranked ninth in the world, reached the and hooker Sunia Koto. Cup in 1987 while they reached the knockout captain the side, as he did in New Zealand in quarterfinals of the World Cup on two They once again have some brilliant stages at the 1999 and 2003 World Cups. 2011, while other stand-out forwards include occasions in 1987 and 2007. backs in their squad like wing This year they have had a great season and flankers and , lock At the latter tournament they beat Wales 38- , wing , narrowly missed out on winning the Six Nations and eighthman . 34 in a match described by many as one of the centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu and flyhalf Ben trophy after losing out to Ireland on points Star players amongst the backs include scrum best ever, while they nearly shocked eventual Volavola, while lock forward difference. half Mike Phillips, centre Jamie Roberts and champions South Africa in the quarterfinals, was the top try scorer at the Pacific Nations The two teams faced off again in two World winger , who has already scored 22 before losing 37-20. Cup with four tries. Cup warm-up matches last month, with Ireland tries in 50 Tests. Uruguay

ruguay will be going to their third World Lock Santiago Vilaseca, aged 30, captains the Cup after previous appearances in 1999 squad and is one of 26 domestic-based players, and 2003. with four playing professionally in France and CRASH U‘Los Teros’ who are ranked 19th in the world, Italy. TACKLES failed to qualify directly for this year’s World Cup, Fly-half Felipe Berchesi was a key figure in … Uruguay’s after finishing second in the Consur Cup - the Uruguay’s qualifying campaign, scoring 75 points Rodrigo Silva South America Rugby Championship - behind in the five-match series of Americas/Repechage and Franco Argentina. play-offs. Lamanna tackle They played the runners-up of the North Flanker Diego Magno who made his debut in Argentina A’s America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 2008, is the most capped player in the squad with Tomas Granella Rugby Championship, the United States, losing 48 caps, while the squad boasts a combined total during a World 59-40 over two legs, but had one final chance to of 812 caps at an average of 26 per player. Cup warm-up qualify in the repechage play-offs, where they beat In their World Cup warm-up matches, Los Teros match. Photo: Russia 57-49 on aggregate over two matches in beat an Argentina XV side 30-26 on 1 August, Nampa- the final. while they lost 30-8 to Uruguay on 22 August. Reuters 17 September 2015 16 Rugby World Cup 2015

Group B South Africa are the firm favourites to finish at the top of Group B but who else will qualify for the knockout stages is anyone’s guess. There is not much to choose between the other four contenders who are all within six places of each other on the world rankings. (10th) and Samoa (12th) are the favourites and their clash on 10 October could prove decisive, but Japan (14th) and USA (16th) will also fancy their chances in a wide open group.

SPEED POWERFUL … MERCHANT … Springbok lock Eben Scotland wing Etzebeth breaks on the through a tackle attack against against Wales. Photo: Ireland. Photo: Nampa-Reuters Nampa-AP South Africa Scotland long with New Zealand and Australia, the tables with a 26-12 victory in , cotland have an enviable record at the Ireland in Dublin, and a week later they beat South Africa is the most successful but the powerful Springboks had fallen to an Rugby World Cup, where they have Italy 16-12 in Turin. nation at the World Cup, having won the all-time low of fifth in the world. been to each tournament since the On 29 August they thrashed Italy 48-7 in Atrophy on two occasions, in 1995 and 2007. Some of their top players like captain Jean Sinaugural one in 1987. and a week later they narrowly lost The ‘Springboks’ have traditionally been the de Villiers, scrum half , flanker Their best performance came in 1991 when 19-16 to France in Paris. second ranked nation behind New Zealand, but , lock Pieter Steph du Toit and they reached the semifinals and finished fourth The team is captained by scrumhalf Greig after a recent defeat to Argentina their ranking eighthman only recently overall, while they reached the quarterfinals Laidlaw and includes three players - prop fell down to fifth. returned from injury, but they have a powerful in 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007. The only , hooker and In this year’s Rugby Championship they and experienced squad which includes nine time they didn’t reach the quarterfinals, in wing - who will be playing at were very competitive but didn’t have much to players from their 2007 World Cup winning fact, was in 2011 when they finished third in their third World Cup. show for it. They lost 24-20 to Australia after squad and some exciting newcomers. their group behind England and Argentina. The team includes two South Africans - conceding a last minute try and a week later lost Some of their experienced stars include Bryan As a co-host of the World Cup, Scotland former Lions captain and flanker , 27-20 to New Zealand in similar fashion after Habana, JP Pietersen, Fourie du Preez, Tendai will have home ground advantage, while they who will qualify to represent Scotland on 19 leading for most of the match. Mtawarira, , Victor Matfield will also be boosted by some fine form in September, a day after the tournament starts, Their nadir however came on 8 August and Schalk Burger, while some upcoming recent World Cup warmup matches. and prop Willem Nel who also qualified when they slumped to a 37-20 defeat against stars to keep an eye on include , On 15 August they narrowly lost 28-22 to through residency this year. Argentina in Durban - their first ever defeat to Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel and Damian de the Jaguars. A week later they managed to turn Allende.

NIMBLE … Japan’s Kenki FINISHER … Brando Fukuoka on the Vaalu of Samoa on his attack in a warm- way to scoring a try up match against a against Italy. Photo: World XV. Photo: Backpagepix Nampa-AFP Samoa Japan

amoa did not participate at the first World to fellow Pacific islanders Fiji, after drawing apan have been to each World Cup Loose-forward is the Cup in 1987 but have been to each one 30-30 against them in the group stages. In since 1991 but they don’t have a very brother of one- All Black lock James since then. other group matches they beat United States successful record. Broadhurst, while other stars include former SOver the three next World Cups they 21-16 and Canada 21-20, and in recent warm- JThe ‘Brave Blossoms’’ only victory to date flanker Hendrick Tui and established themselves as one of the top rugby up matches they lost 27-24 to a Barbarians came in 1991 when they beat Zimbabwe, former Australian Rugby League utility back nations by reaching the quarterfinals on each team and beat English Premiership side Wasps 51-12 while they drew 23-23 against Canada . occasion. Their greatest achievements at the 25-19. four years ago. Japan has been one of the busiest teams in World Cup came in 1991 when they stunned The team is captained by flanker Ofisa In 1995 New Zealand beat them 145-17, the lead-up to the World Cup, playing eight Wales 16-13 and at the 1999 World Cup when Treviranus who plays for in which is the highest winning score yet in the matches since 18 July. they once again beat Wales 38-31 to reach the the English Premiership and consists almost World Cup. They finished third in the Pacific Nations quarterfinals. entirely of foreign based professionals. The team will be captained by flanker Cup after losing 31-20 to Japan, while in the Since then however they haven’t reached the Some of their stand-out players include who plays for Waikato Chiefs group matches they beat Canada 20-6 and lost quarterfinals, although they suffered narrow hooker Motu Matu’u and centre Rey Lee-Lo in the Super 15, and includes 10 players who 23-18 to the United States and 27-22 to Fiji. defeats against South Africa (13-5) and Wales who both play for the , were at the 2011 World Cup. Two of them - On 15 August they lost 45-20 to a World (17-10) at the 2011 World Cup. Newcastle wing , lock forward – the most capped XV Invitation side, but their form improved ‘Manu Samoa’ last month reached the final of prop Logovi’i Mulipola and player in the squad with 93 tests – and fellow since then as they beat Uruguay 30-8 the Pacific Nations Cup where they lost 39-29 the three Pisi brothers, Ken, George and Tusi. lock Luke Thompson, will be appearing at and 40-0 in , and Georgia 13-10 in their third World Cup. Gloucester.

United States

he USA qualified for the World Cup as They finished fifth at the Pacific Nations Cup after Americas 2, or the second nation from the beating Canada 15-13 on 3 August, while they suffered Americas region. two defeats and one victory in the group stages. They TCanada defeated the USA 40-20 on aggregate in a beat Japan 23-18, but lost 21-16 to Samoa and 33-19 two-legged play-off to qualify for the World Cup as to Tonga. Americas 1. The USA progressed to the NACRA- In recent World Cup warm-up matches they beat BARGING CONSUR (North America Caribbean Rugby Canada 41-23 but lost 47-10 to Australia. AHEAD … Association-South American Rugby Championship) The United States team is captained by centre Cameron play-off final to determine who qualified as Americas 2. who plays for English Premiership side Dolan of the Here they came up against Uruguay and emerged Saracens and includes 13 players with professional United States victorious 59-40 on aggregate over two matches. contracts abroad. barges ahead They have qualified for all the World Cup finals Wyles, , Mate Moeakiola, Taku Ngwenya, against except in South Africa in 1995, and have recorded two and will be appearing at their third World Japan. victories against Japan and one against Russia on the Cups, but overall its quite an inexperienced squad with Photo: world’s biggest stage. 20 players making their debuts at the World Cup. Nampa-AFP Rugby World Cup 2015 17 17 September 2015

Group C The world champions New Zealand are expected to top the group while Argentina are the favourites to grab the second spot to qualify for the knockout stages. Tonga could test Argentina, while Namibia and Georgia will be playing for pride, with Namibia out to win it’s first match at the World Cup.

FLAT OUT … SLIPPERY … New Zealand lock Argentina wing Brodie Retallick on in the attack against action against England. Photo: France. Photo: Nampa-AP Nampa-AFP New Zealand Argentina

Ireland in Dublin, and a week later they beat ew Zealand is the top ranked rugby Rugby Championship for the first time in four rgentina who are ranked eighth in the which saw them finishing third behind the Italy 16-12 in Turin. nation in the world and once again big years, but New Zealand has dominated the world will be strongly favoured to winners Australia and New Zealand and ahead On 29 August they thrashed Italy 48-7 in favourites to win the World Cup. competition, winning 13 of the 20 titles since reach the quarterfinals along with New of South Africa. Edinburgh and a week later they narrowly lost NThey have won the World Cup twice, its inception in 1996. AZealand from Group C. Their 31-man squad includes five veterans 19-16 to France in Paris. making them the most successful nation at the During the Rugby Championship they Argentina’s ‘Los ’ are one of the top from their 2007 World Cup squad in forwards The team is captained by scrumhalf Greig World Cup, along with Australia and South comfortably beat Argentina at home in rugby nations in the world and have competed Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Juan Manuel Laidlaw and includes three players - prop Africa, while they finished runner-ups once, while they also beat South Africa at all the World Cups since 1987. Leguizamon and and backs Alasdair Dickinson, hooker Ross Ford and third twice and fourth once. away in Johannesburg. Their best result came in 2007 when they and Juan Martin Hernandez. wing Sean Lamont - who will be playing at They are the defending World Cup They have a star-studded squad led by a finished third after beating France 34-10 in the Four of them, excluding Hernandez who their third World Cup. champions after winning the title in New legend of the game in Richie McCaw, who is bronze medal playoff match. was injured, also played at the 2011 World The team includes two South Africans - Zealand four years ago and their dominance also the most capped rugby player in the world They have come on in great strides in Cup in New Zealand along with another seven former Lions captain and flanker Josh Strauss, is such that they have only lost three matches with 142 caps. recent years thanks to their participation in the players in the squad. who will qualify to represent Scotland on 19 since then. Other stars include fly half , southern hemisphere Rugby Championship Players to look out for include right wing September, a day after the tournament starts, Their most recent defeat was a 27-19 loss eighthman Kieran Reid, hooker Keven since 2012, facing world powers New Juan Imhoff, who scored a hattrick of tries and prop Willem Nel who also qualified to Australia in the Rugby Championship on 8 Mealamu, lock Brodie Retallick, flankers Zealand, Australia and South Africa regularly. in their victory against the Springboks, through residency this year. August, but they immediately atoned for that and , scrum half Their first victory in the Rugby flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez and their when they thrashed Australia 41-13 a week Aaron Smith, centres Ma’a Nonu and Sonny Championship came last year when they beat pack of forwards, who are renowned for their later. Bill Williams, and wings and Australia 21-17, while they recently shocked powerful scrumming. Australia’s victory saw them winning the Julian Savea. South Africa with a 37-25 victory in Durban,

NIMBLE … Japan’s Kenki LOOKING FOR GEORGIAN Fukuoka on the SUPPORT … GIANT … Tamaz attack in a warm- Tonga’s Tane Mchedlidze of up match against a Takulua on the Georgia in action World XV. Photo: attack against against Ireland. Nampa-AFP Scotland. Photo: Photo: Nampa- Nampa-AFP AP Tonga Georgia Loose-forward Michael Broadhurst is the brother of one-cap All Black lock James onga have a proud history at the Rugby Canada 28-22, but lost 30-22 to Fiji. eorgia will be competing at their In June they came third in the Cup Broadhurst, while other stars include former World Cup, having appeared at all but The Tonga squad mostly consists of fourth successive Rugby World Cup after losing 45-12 to the winners Emerging Queensland Reds flanker Hendrick Tui and one of the six tournaments to date. professionals who play in England and France, after making their debut in 2003 in Ireland and 26-10 to Emerging Italy, while former Australian Rugby League utility back TTheir first World Cup victory came in 1995 while a few play in New Zealand and Australia. GAustralia. they beat Uruguay 19-10. Craig Wing. when they beat the Ivory Coast 29-11, while They have an experienced World Cup squad Their first World Cup victory came in Some of their top players include fly half Japan has been one of the busiest teams in they beat Italy 28-25 in 1999. which includes 12 survivors from their famous France in 2007 when they beat Namibia 30-0, who is their all-time the lead-up to the World Cup, playing eight At the 2007 World Cup in France they beat 2011 victory against France, and which is led while their second came against Romania, record points scorer and will be going to matches since 18 July. the United States and Samboa while they by flanker Niili Latu who plays for English whom they beat 25-9 in 2011. his fourth World Cup, and flanker Giorgi They finished third in the Pacific Nations narrowly lost 30-25 to the eventual champions Premiership side . ‘The Lelos’ have won the European Chkhaidze who will also be going to his Cup after losing 31-20 to Japan, while in the South Africa, and at the last World Cup in 2011 Some of their star players include flyhalf Nations Cup for the past five years in a row fourth World Cup. group matches they beat Canada 20-6 and lost they pulled off a shock 19-14 victory against Leone Nakarawa, who also plays for the while the bulk of their national squad plays Their World Cup squad also includes 23-18 to the United States and 27-22 to Fiji. France. Falcons and was the joint-top try scorer at professionally in France. 18-year-old scrum half On 15 August they lost 45-20 to a World The ‘Sea Eagles’ or ‘Ikale Tahi as they are the Pacific Nations Cup along with team They qualified for the World Cup after who was a member of their U-20 side that XV Invitation side, but their form improved known, finished third at the Pacific Nations mate and explosive winger Fetu’u Vainikolo, winning the European Nations Cup Division won this year’s World Rugby U-20 Trophy, since then as they beat Uruguay 30-8 Cup last month after beating Japan 31-20 in and a rising star in Rebels centre Telusa 1A competition with 41 points, finishing and who will become the youngest ever player and 40-0 in Tokyo, and Georgia 13-10 in the bronze medal match. In their earlier group Veainu. ahead of Romania on 38 and Russia on 26 at the Rugby World Cup. Gloucester. matches they beat the United States 33-19 and They are ranked 11th in the world. points. They are ranked 13th in the world. Namibia

amibia qualified for their fifth successive World Cup 46-13 and Zimbabwe 80-6 to win the Africa Cup Division when they beat Madagascar 89-10 in June last year to 1A title. win the Africa Cup Division 1A tournament. That’s Namibia’s outstanding player is their inspirational Na remarkable record for a country with hardly 1 000 senior captain Jacques Burger who plays for English Premiership players to choose from, while only a handful of them are champions Saracens. BARGING professionals playing abroad, but they are still searching for Besides Burger, several others have made their mark for AHEAD … that elusive first win at the World Cup. professional clubs abroad including loose forward Renaldo BREAKING Cameron Namibia didn’t have a very good campaign at the Nations Bothma who plays for the Sharks, lock Tjiuee Uanivi THROUGH Dolan of the Cup in Romania in June where they lost all of their matches (Brive), fullback Chrysander Botha (), fly half … Namibian United States against the Argentina Jaguars, Spain and Romania. Theuns Kotze (Bourg en Bresse) and eighthman PJ van Lill eighthman barges ahead Since Phil Davies took over as head coach following the (Dax). Renaldo against sudden resignation of Danie Vermeulen, Namibia’s fortunes The team includes 14 players who competed at the 2011 Bothma on the Japan. however changed as they went on a four-match unbeaten run. World Cup, while four players - Burger, Tinus du Plessis, attack against Photo: Namibia, who are ranked 20th in the world, beat Russia Euugene Jantjies and Johnny Redelinghuys - also competed Russia. Photo: Nampa-AFP 39-19 and 45-5 in two test matches and then beat Kenya at the 2007 World Cup. Helge Schutz 17 September 2015 18 Rugby World Cup 2015

Group D Ireland and France are the hot favourites to advance to the quarterfinals from this group, but Italy have an outside chance to grab a spot. Canada and Romania are the two Second Tier nations in the group and will be out to cause an upset or two but are not expected to make much of an impact.

IRISH CHARGE … David Kilcoyne on the attack FRENCH FLAIR … France against Wales. fullback in Photo: Nampa- action against Argentina. Reuters Photo: Nampa-AP Ireland France

reland have played at each World Cup They beat Wales 35-21 in Cardiff on 8 rance are one of the most successful fourth after losing to Ireland (18-11), Wales since 1987 but have never reached the August and Scotland 28-22 in Dublin a week nations in the history of the World (20-13) and England (55-35). They however quarterfinals. This year, however, they later to move up to an all time high of third on Cup, having finished as runners-up fared better in recent warm-up matches, Ihave been in great form and are expected to the world rankings. Fthree times, third once and fourth twice. losing 19-14 away to England on 15 August break that unfortunate record. Since then however, they lost 16-10 to At the last World Cup in 2011 they were but then beating them 25-20 at home a week Ireland have one of the strongest squads Wales in Dublin and 21-13 to England in quite unlucky not to win the title when they later, while they also beat Scotland 19-16 in in their history and in March won the Six London to move down to sixth on the world lost 8-7 to New Zealand in the final. Paris on 5 September. Nations Championship for the second year in rankings. ‘Les Tricolors’ are traditionally known for They are led by inspirational flanker a row after beating Scotland 40-10. Ireland will be captained by the veteran their skill and flair, and in 1999 they were , while other star forwards In one of the closest finishes in history lock forward Paul O Connell who has already involved in one of the greatest matches in include eighthman , flanker they pipped England and Wales to the title on won 104 caps for his country and who will World Cup history when they came from a and lock . points difference. retire after the World Cup. He will lead an 24-10 deficit to beat New Zealand 43-31 in Amongst the backs their star players are Their only defeat in the Championship experienced squad boasting more than 1 000 the semifinals. flyhalf Frederic Michalak, who recently was against Wales (23-16), while they beat caps in total at an average of 34 per player. But they are also known for their became France’s all-time record points England 19-9 and France 18-11 amongst Some of the star players include fullback unpredictability and have lost to teams like scorer, scrum half , and centres others. , wings and Simon Tonga and Argentina at the World Cup. Gael Fickou, and In recent warm-up matches for the World Zebo, fly half , and loose- This year they didn’t perform very well Wesley Fofana. Cup they started off well with two victories, forwards Sean O Brien, and in the Six Nations Championship, finishing They are ranked seventh in the world. but then slumped to two defeats. Peter O Mahoney.

PACY … Canada wing DTH van LOOKING FOR der Merwe SUPPORT … on the attack Tomasso Allan against Japan. of Italy in action Photo: Press against Scotland. Association Photo: Nampa- Images AP Italy Canada

taly have competed at all six Rugby World They however gave a much better performance anada reinforced their reputation to the United States (41-23 on 22 August), Cups to date, although they have yet to in their final warm-up match before losing 23- as the second strongest team in the and 47-18 to Fiji on 5 September. Their only qualify for the knock-out stages. 19 to Wales in Cardiff on 5 September. Americas region after Argentina victory over the past two months was a 19- IThey have a decent record at the World Cup, The ‘Azzuri’ suffered a major blow when Cwhen they won the Americas qualifying 12 win against Scottish club side winning nine of their 24 matches to date, while eighthman and captain was competition for the World Cup, beating the Warriors on 29 August. they automatically qualified for 2011 and 2015 injured in their final warm-up match against United States 40-20 on aggregate in a two- Eighthman who plays for after finishing third in their group. Wales and he is now in a race against time to be legged play-off. Welsh club will captain a relatively Italian rugby has grown by leaps and bounds fit for the World Cup. Canada has qualified for each World Cup young side with 18 of the players appearing since they joined the Five Nations in 2000. Some of their star forwards include flanker since 1987 and has chalked up seven victories at the World Cup for the first time. They initially struggled in the renamed Six , who will equal Brian since then, including a 25-20 win against Lock forward is their most Nations but steadily improved and finished Lima of Samoa’s record of appearing at five Tinga four years ago. experienced player and will be playing at fourth in 2007 and 2013, while they also World Cups, South African-born lock Quintin Their preparations for this year’s World his fourth World Cup, while hooker Aaron defeated France and Ireland in recent years. In Geldenhuys, hooker and Cup have not been very impressive as they Carpenter and wing DTH van der Merwe will this year’s Six Nations they finished fifth, with flanker . lost seven out of eight warm-up matches. be playing at their third World Cup. their only victory coming against Scotland. Star backs include scrum half , They finished sixth in the Pacific Nations Other star players include fullback James Italy lost two World Cup warm-up matches centres Tommaso Benvenuti and Gonzalo Cup after losing to Japan (20-6), Tonga (28- Pritchard, wings and Matt against Scotland last month, going down 16-12 Garcia and fullbacks Luke McLean and Andrea 18), Samoa (21-20) and the USA (15-13), Evans and centre . in Turin on 22 August, and then suffering a Masi. while in recent matches they once again lost Canada are ranked 18th in the world. heavy 48-7 defeat in Edinburgh a week later. They are currently ranked 14th in the world. Romania

omania has played at every World Cup since later they lost 31-16 to Scottish club . 1987, winning five of their 20 matches to date. Their final warmup match was against Tonga on 5 They qualified directly for this year’s World September that they lost 21-16. RCup as Europe 2 after finishing second behind Georgia The Romanian team includes several naturalised in the European Nations Cup Division 1A tournament. players from all over the world for the first time in their RUGGED … In June they won the annual Nations Cup in history. Prominent amongst them are New Zealand- Ionel Cazan of Romania for the first time since 2013 after winning all born flyhalf Michael Wiringi, Tonga centre Paula Romania (left) three their matches - 35-9 against Spain, 43-3 against Kinikilau, South African lock Johannes van Heerden tries to stop Namibia and 23-0 against the Argentina Jaguars. and Georgian prop Otar Turashvili. They haven’t been very active or impressive in Eighthman Ovidiu Tonita is the most experienced of Scotland. World Cup warm-up matches since then. player in the squad with 70 caps while he will be Photo: Press On 14 August they drew 10-10 against English appearing at his fourth World Cup. Association second division club Yorkshire Carnegie and a week Romania are ranked 17th in the world. Images. Rugby World Cup 2015 19 17 September 2015

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Rugby World Cup Fixtures Date Match Pool Venue Scores Time September 2015 18 England v Fiji A Twickenham, London : 21:00 19 Tonga v Georgia C , Gloucester : 13:00 19 Ireland v Canada D , Cardiff : 15:30 19 South Africa v Japan B Community Centre : 17:45 19 France v Italy D Twickenham, London : 21:00 20 Samoa v USA B Brighton Community Centre : 13:00 20 Wales v Uruguay A Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 15:30 20 New Zealand v Argentina C , London : 17:45 23 Scotland v Japan B Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester : 15:30 23 Australia v Fiji A Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 17:45 23 France v Romania D Olympic Stadium, London : 21:00 24 New Zealand v Namibia C Olympic Stadium, London : 21:00 25 Argentina v Georgia C Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester : 17:45 26 Italy v Canada D , : 15:30 26 South Africa v Samoa B , : 17:45 26 England v Wales A Twickenham, London : 21:00 27 Australia v Uruguay Aw Villa Park, Birmingham : 13:00 27 Scotland v USA B Elland Road, Leeds : 15:30 27 Ireland v Romania D Wembley Stadium, London : 17:45 29 Tonga v Namibia C Sandy Park, Exeter : 17:45 October 2015 1 Wales v Fiji A Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 17:45 1 France v Canada D Stadium MK, Milton Keynes : 21:00 2 New Zealand v Georgia C Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 21:00 3 Samoa v Japan B Stadium MK, Milton Keynes : 15:30 3 South Africa v Scotland B St James' Park, Newcastle : 17:45 3 England v Australia A Twickenham, London : 21:00 4 Argentina v Tonga C Leicester City Stadium, Leicester : 15:30 4 Ireland v Italy D Olympic Stadium, London : 17:45 6 Canada v Romania D Leicester City Stadium, Leicester : 17:45 6 Fiji v Uruguay A Stadium MK, Milton Keynes : 21:00 7 South Africa v USA B Olympic Stadium, London : 17:45 7 Namibia v Georgia C Sandy Park, Exeter : 21:00 9 New Zealand v Tonga C St James' Park, Newcastle : 21:00 10 Samoa v Scotland B St James' Park, Newcastle : 15:30 10 Australia v Wales A Twickenham, London : 17:45 10 England v Uruguay A City Stadium : 21:00 11 Argentina v Namibia C Leicester City Stadium, Leicester : 13:00 11 Italy v Romania D Sandy Park, Exeter : 15:30 11 France v Ireland D Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 17:45 11 USA v Japan B Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester : 21:00 17 B1 v A2 Twickenham, London : 17:00 17 C1 v D2 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 21:00 18 D1 v C2 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff : 14:00 18 A1 v B2 Twickenham, London : 17:00 24 Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 Twickenham, London : 17:00 25 Winner QF3 v Winner QF4 Twickenham, London : 18:00 30 Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 Olympic Stadium, London : 22:00 31 Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 Twickenham, London : 18:00