FNB Kudus and FNB Wanderers have secured their spots in the Namibia Rugby Premier League final, with convincing victories in the semi-finals on Saturday. Kudus, the defending champions, defeated Montego United 55-38, while Wanderers beat FNB Grootfontein 60-27. This sets up a rematch of last year's final between the two teams. Kudus outscored United by nine tries to six, with Lloyd Jacobs scoring four tries and Kyle Wentzel contributing two tries and five conversions.
The match between Kudus and United was closely contested until the final quarter, with Kudus holding a narrow 36-31 lead. However, Kudus increased the tempo, scoring three late tries to secure a comfortable win. Kudus started strong, taking a 17-0 lead after two early tries by Jacobs and Lezardo Vos. United responded well, drawing level after tries by Otja Auala, Jurgen Meyer, and Elzando van Wyk. Kudus regained the lead before halftime, with Wentzel scoring from a scrum to put them 24-17 ahead.
Kudus extended their lead to 36-17 with tries by Gio Isaacks and Jacobs' third try. However, United reduced the deficit to 36-31 after Meyer's second try and a penalty try. Kudus then stepped up their game, scoring three more tries through Wentzel, Jacobs' fourth try, and Vos to seal a comprehensive win. This victory marks Kudus' second successive year in the final.
Wanderers also had a convincing win, scoring eight tries and accumulating 60 points against Grootfontein, who scored four tries. Grootfontein took an early lead when Pieter Kok scored from a line-out, but Wanderers drew level when captain Danco Burger crashed over. Wanderers edged ahead 11-5 after two penalties by Wiks Tromp, and regained the lead when Franklin Busch cut through the backline to score and convert.
Wanderers' powerful pack continued to dominate Grootfontein's line, with two more tries by Edward Drotsky and Adriaan Booysen putting them 25-12 ahead at halftime. Booysen added a second try after the break, but Grootfontein struck back with a try by Alfred Vercuil. However, Wanderers maintained their lead, gradually pulling away as they scored four more tries through Tareekuje Tjipute, Jaylon Carew, Kistings Minyoi, and Andre van der Berg.
Despite their convincing win, Wanderers' captain Danco Burger believes they need to improve their game for the final against Kudus on 10 October. Burger stated that the fact that they lost the final last year will make this year's final more personal, and they have a lot to work on. He acknowledged that Kudus is a quality side, and Wanderers will need to step up their game to win.
The final between Kudus and Wanderers promises to be an exciting match, with both teams determined to emerge victorious. Kudus will look to defend their title, while Wanderers will seek to avenge their loss from last year. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two of Namibia's top rugby teams.
Key points
- Kudus and Wanderers will meet in the Namibia Rugby Premier League final on 10 October.
- Kudus defeated Montego United 55-38, while Wanderers beat FNB Grootfontein 60-27 in the semi-finals.
- Wanderers' captain Danco Burger believes his team needs to improve their game to win the final against Kudus.
