Namibia call for Botha

By Mark Stevens

Chrysander Botha is the latest Exeter Chiefs player to be called up by his country for the upcoming Autumn internationals.

Full-back Botha, who joined from South African Super 14 side Lions in the summer, has been included in a 29-man Namibian squad that will be skippered by Saracens back-row ace Jacques Burger.

Namibia, who will play two games at Sandy Park in next year's Rugby World Cup, have four games to play during the next month.

They open up on October 29 when they tackle Germany in Windhoek; before they head to Europe to face Canada ar Colwyn Bay on November 7; the French Barbarians in Toulon (Nov 14) and Portugal in Lisbon (Nov 21).

As well as Botha and Burger, the Namibian squad has been bolstered by the inclusion of Toyota Cheetahs captain Torsten van Jaarsveld and DHL Western Province hooker Neil Rautenbach.

JC Greyling, who plays for Wesley Old Boys in Ireland and Tjiiuee Uanive of Brice in France are two other internationally-based players who will make their debut on the tour.

Coach Danie Vermeulen will also be able to call on experienced players such as Province loose forward Rohan Kitshoff, Dax’s PJ van Lill and former Cornish All Blacks and Wasps loose forward Tinus du Plessis.

Namibian Squad: Rathony Becker (Western Suburbs), Franklin Bertholini * (United), Mornè Blom (Wanderers), Jacques Burger (Saracens, capt), Tinus du Plessis (Wanderers), Jaco Engels (United), Nico Esterhuyse (Wanderers), Thomasua Forbes (Western Suburbs ) Rohan Kitshoff (Western Province), Niel Rautenbach (Western Province), Johnnie Redelinghuys (Wanderers), Andre Schlechter (Wanderers), PJ van Lill (Dax), Tjiuee Uanive * (Brive), Casper Viviers (Saint Naziere), Torsten van Jaarsveld * (Free State Cheetahs), Chrysander Botha (Exeter Chiefs), Eneill Buitendag (Wanderers), Danie Dames (Griquas), Darryl de la Harpe (Centre - Western Suburbs), Ryan de la Harpe (Fylde), Johan Deysel (Leopards), JC Greyling * (Old Wesley) , Shaun Kaizemi (Western Suburbs), Theuns Kotze (Bourge-en-Bresse), Malcolm Moore (Wanderers), David Philander (Spotswood United RFC), Johan Tromp (Wanderers) & Russel van Wyk * (University of Namibia).