Namibia have made several changes to their starting lineup ahead of their crucial Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament clash against Samoa scheduled for November 13.
From the side that featured last weekend, head coach Pieter Rossouw has introduced fresh faces in key positions while maintaining a strong core of experienced players.
Otja Auala starts at loosehead prop, replacing Haitembu Shikufa, who drops to the bench. Aranos Coetzee comes in at tighthead in place of Shikufa, while captain Louis van der Westhuizen retains his spot at hooker.
In the second row, Adriaan Ludick continues, but he is now joined by Johan Retief, with Tiaan de Klerk missing out on the starting XV.
The back row sees Prince !Gaoseb return to the starting lineup, partnering Max Katjijeko and Adriaan Booysen, while Wian Conradie, a standout performer last weekend, moves to the bench.
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Halfback duties remain with Helarius Kisting, who continues at scrum-half, but he will now link up with Cliven Loubser, who replaces Andre van der Berg at fly-half.
In the midfield, Johan Deysel shifts to inside centre, forming a partnership with Jay-Cee Nel. Danco Burger, who was vice-captain last weekend, is not included in the starting XV for this encounter.
The back three also sees adjustments, with JC Greyling and Danie van der Merwe taking up the wings, while Divan Rossouw remains steady at fullback.
Namibia’s changes indicate a mix of tactical reshuffling and rotation aimed at maintaining energy and consistency in what is expected to be a physically intense encounter against Samoa.
The Welwitschias will be eyeing a strong performance to boost their qualification hopes and continue their fine form heading into the decisive stages of the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification pathway.
Namibia STARTING XV
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Otja Auala
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Louis van der Westhuizen (C)
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Aranos Coetzee
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Adriaan Ludick
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Johan Retief
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Prince !Gaoseb
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Max Katjijeko
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Adriaan Booysen
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Helarius Kisting
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Cliven Loubser
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JC Greyling
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Johan Deysel
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Jay-Cee Nel
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Danie van der Merwe
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Divan Rossouw
SUBSTITUTES
Armand Combrinck, Gianluca Savoldelli, Haitembu Shikufa, Johan Luttig, Wian Conradie, AJ Kearns, Andre van der Berg, Jurgen Meyer
