MISSED: Namibia scrumhalf, Helarius Kisting. Photo: FILE
MISSED: Namibia scrumhalf, Helarius Kisting. Photo: FILE

Kisting focused on recovery

Coetzee has more choices
Helarius Kisting will be out of the game for six weeks in order to heal an arm fracture he sustained last week.
Sports Reporter
Namibia scrumhalf Helarius Kisting will be out of action for at least six weeks after suffering a right forearm fracture just before half-time in the team’s first match of their South America tour against Argentina XV last Saturday.

Head coach Allister Coetzee said in a statement: "After the medical team’s due diligence and for Helarius to heal as fast as possible, his operation has been arranged."

Coetzee said the operation was scheduled for earlier this week, on Monday, 31 July, in Montevideo, Uruguay.

"It’s very unfortunate, and you feel for Helarius, who has worked hard to earn the starting bid position. It’s part of rugby, and we are hoping for a quick recovery. I know it is a race against time, but I’m positive that he can still play a role in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

"Although not ideal, it does give other players great opportunities – Damian Stevens to start and Jacques Theron to play off the bench."

Kisting said: "I’m not too upset and know it is part of the game. It’s not the end of the world, and I will be focusing on putting my health and recovery first.

"I came to contribute to this tour, be present and tick the boxes, and need to take whatever comes with it."

No fracture

Torsten van Jaarsveld, scorer of three tries against Argentina XV, suffered a blow to the eye. Scans confirmed that there is no fracture in the eye socket and no damage to the eye itself.

The bruise and swelling will be closely monitored this week in order to determine whether he will be available to play against Uruguay this Saturday.

Strategy and discipline

In the coach’s post-match review, Coetzee expressed his satisfaction by highlighting the comeback in the second half from being 8-26 down, considering the fact that this was the first time the group played together.

Recognising the big and experienced Argentinian XV side, Namibia remained in the fight till the end. Coetzee pointed out a big improvement in discipline when they conceded only three penalties during the second half.

"We are facing a Uruguayan team with massive line speed that will try to fluster teams into making mistakes; we have to look after the ball and possession. We have to improve our first-up tackles, as they also have experienced backs who could exploit that.

"The South American teams are big up front, and our set pieces and physicality will have to be accurate.

"This is a very important match for us, and it will give us a great indication of what we need to prepare for against our Rugby World Cup Pool A counterparts and where their strengths lie," Coetzee said.

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