Namibia have named their starting XV for their Africa-Asia Rugby World Cup qualification playoff match against the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to take place on July 26 at 4 PM at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Welwitschias will be led by Prince !Gaoseb, with flyhalf Danco Burger serving as the vice-captain.
The starting front row features Otja Auala at loosehead prop, Torsten van Jaarsveld at hooker, and Jason Benade at tighthead prop.
In the second row, Oliver Kurz and Tiaan de Klerk will pair up.
The back row sees captain Prince !Gaoseb at blindside flanker, Max Katjijeko at openside flanker, and Richard Hardwick at No. 8.
In the half-back pairing, AJ Kearns starts at scrum-half, linking play with fly-half Andre van der Berg.
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Jurgen Meyer will play on the left wing while Danie van der Merwe occupies the right wing. Danco Burger is at inside centre, Alcino Izaacs at outside centre, and Cliven Loubser at fullback.
Namibia, who finished second at the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup after falling to Zimbabwe 30-28 in the final, are gunning for their eighth consecutive Rugby World Cup appearance.
The one-off Africa-Asia playoff encounter against the UAE is a crucial step toward that goal.
The winner of this tie will proceed to the Final Qualification Tournament (Repechage) in Dubai this November, where four teams will battle for the final spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Namibia Starting XV vs UAE
1. Otja Auala
2. Torsten van Jaarsveld
3. Jason Benade
4. Oliver Kurz
5. Tiaan de Klerk
6. Prince !Gaoseb (Captain)
7. Max Katjijeko
8. Richard Hardwick
9. AJ Kearns
10. Andre van der Berg
11. Jurgen Meyer
12. Danco Burger (Vice Captain)
13. Alcino Izaacs
14. Danie van der Merwe
15. Cliven Loubser
Replacements:
16. Armand Combrinck
17. Haitembu Shikufa
18. Sidney Halupe
19. Adriaan Ludick
20. Riaan Grové
21. Aston Mukwiyongo
22. Quirone Majiedt
23. Adriaan Booysen
