Namibia have confirmed their matchday squad for Friday’s test match against Italy, set to kick off at 15:00 at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.
Flanker Prince !Gaoseb will captain the side, leading an experienced pack bolstered by debutants in the back three.
The starting XV includes two new faces at wing who are Danie van der Merwe and Jurgen Meyer both representing FNB Wanderers Rugby Club and making their test debuts.
Van der Merwe adds a historic touch to the lineup, following in the footsteps of his father who featured at outside centre in the Namibia side that famously beat Italy twice in Windhoek during the 1991 test series.
Namibia line-up
The forward pack sees Haitembu Shikufa, Louis van der Westhuizen, and Aranos Coetzee form the front row, with Adriaan Ludick and Johan Retief.
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The back row will feature captain !Gaoseb at openside, Max Katjijeko at blindside, and Adriaan Booysen at number eight.
Jacques Theron will steer the game from scrum-half, partnering Tiaan Swanepoel at fly-half whereas Jurgen Meyer and Danie Merwe take charge of the wings.
In the midfield, vice-captain Danco Burger pairs with Alcino Izaacs, while Andre van der Berg will start at fullback.
Among the substitutes, former FNB Kudu and Wits University player Sidney Halupe is the only uncapped player on the bench, offering fresh firepower should he be called upon.
Namibia Starting XV to face Italy:
1. Haitembu Shikufa
2. Louis van der Westhuizen
3. Aranos Coetzee
4. Adriaan Ludick
5. Johan Retief
6. Prince !Gaoseb (captain)
7. Max Katjijeko
8. Adriaan Booysen
9. Jacques Theron
10. Tiaan Swanepoel
11. Jurgen Meyer
12. Danco Burger (vice-captain)
13. Alcino Izaacs
14. Danie van der Merwe
15. Andre van der Berg
Replacements:
16. Armand Combrink
17. Jason Benade
18. Sidney Halupe
19. Ruan Ludick
20. Johan Luttig
21. Peter Diergaardt
22. Oela Blaauw
23. Quirione Majiedt
