Namibia thrash Zambia

NAMIBIA thrashed Zambia 85-10 after leading 33-0 at halftime to win their Confederation of African Rugby Cup match at Windhoek’s Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday.

Namibia were far too strong for the visitors and had their finishing been better they could easily have scored a century of points. Especially in the first half, several attacking moves broke down due to handling errors, although Zambia also deserve credit for some courageous defending.Namibia’s powerful front row of Johnny Redelinghuys, Hugo Horn and Jane du Toit laid the foundation for their forward dominance, with the pack pushing Zambia back at will in the scrums.Namibia also dominated the lineouts through lanky lock Nico Esterhuysen, while the loose trio of captain Jacques Burger, Wolfie Duvenhage and Jacques Nieuwenhuysen was especially prominent.All three linked effectively between forwards and backs, while Nieuwenhuysen had a storming game.He was normally first to the breakdown, winning numerous loose balls, while he also combined well with the backline on the attack.The backline, however, was a bit disappointing.Fullback TC Losper had a poor debut, knocking on several balls in attacking positions, while winger Melrick Africa was also guilty of too many handling errors.Scrumhalf Eugene Jantjies gave a good service to his backline and flyhalf Justinus van der Westhuizen had a fine debut, scoring 33 points in total.Most of Namibia’s substitutes were fielded in the second half and here, too, some players grabbed their opportunity with good performances.Veteran centre Corne Powell and hooker Cor van Tonder scored two tries each, while flanker Herman Lintvelt impressed with his storming runs.www.namibiasport.com.naEspecially in the first half, several attacking moves broke down due to handling errors, although Zambia also deserve credit for some courageous defending.Namibia’s powerful front row of Johnny Redelinghuys, Hugo Horn and Jane du Toit laid the foundation for their forward dominance, with the pack pushing Zambia back at will in the scrums.Namibia also dominated the lineouts through lanky lock Nico Esterhuysen, while the loose trio of captain Jacques Burger, Wolfie Duvenhage and Jacques Nieuwenhuysen was especially prominent.All three linked effectively between forwards and backs, while Nieuwenhuysen had a storming game.He was normally first to the breakdown, winning numerous loose balls, while he also combined well with the backline on the attack.The backline, however, was a bit disappointing.Fullback TC Losper had a poor debut, knocking on several balls in attacking positions, while winger Melrick Africa was also guilty of too many handling errors.Scrumhalf Eugene Jantjies gave a good service to his backline and flyhalf Justinus van der Westhuizen had a fine debut, scoring 33 points in total.Most of Namibia’s substitutes were fielded in the second half and here, too, some players grabbed their opportunity with good performances.Veteran centre Corne Powell and hooker Cor van Tonder scored two tries each, while flanker Herman Lintvelt impressed with his storming runs.www.namibiasport.com.na