Minnows facing extra obstacles

YOU’D think the Rugby World Cup organisers would make life easier for Namibia, one of the tournament’s minnows.

Instead they place logistical obstacles in front of the Africans, having already paired them in a nightmare pool alongside three top six nations.

Namibia are based in Marseille but have to travel three hours a day for double sessions in the gym and training ground and, according to team coach, Hakkies Husselman, “the guys are bit down over this”.

They’ll soldier on, says Husselman. It seems a happier camp than the 2003 version in Australia. Then they had to put up with mass defections from camp when players preferred to earn more money with their clubs. There has only been one high-profile defector this year; Natal-based hooker Skipper Badenhorst withdrew, citing family reasons. It’s suspected, however, that he can earn more with the Currie Cup outfit. And you see why. Each Namibian player will earn €3,000 for his month’s efforts in France.

Over half of the Namibian squad hold down day jobs, and some had to put in a night shift before catching a flight to their base in France.

Only 12 earn a living from rugby. Nine are involved with some of the smaller teams in South Africa’s Currie Cup, lock Heino Senekal is regular for English Division One side Cornish Pirates, while inspirational captain Kees Lensing — who turned down a chance to play for the Springboks — plays for Super 14 franchise the Sharks. Six play university rugby in South Africa, which is semi-pro; 12 are home-based amateurs.

Husselman tries to be as realistic as possible.

“It is very difficult as most of the players are amateur. We need to pick up our levels 100% and that is not possible. We will play well for 60 minutes, but then we hit the wall. “It is like taking me and putting me in Wimbledon to play Roger Federer.”

Lensing remembers the glory days of Namibian rugby. Having gained independence from South African in 1990, Namibia pushed Wales close in a two-test series before beating Ireland and Italy.

“I was only just starting to learn rugby then and remember when Namibia beat Ireland. But it was all a long time ago.”