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Rugby World Cup
Namibia's Bothma relishing Gorgodze battle
Tristan Barclay
October 7, 2015
Georgia aiming for third spot
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Namibia bruiser Renaldo Bothma is licking his lips at the prospect of going up against Georgia skipper Mamuka Gorgodze when the two sides meet in their Pool C clash.

The Sharks back-rower, who has been a stand-out performer in the No.8 jersey for Namibia, will be lining up opposite Toulon giant Gorgodze at Exeter's Sandy Park as the tournament's lowest-ranked side hunt their first ever Rugby World Cup victory.

Bothma caught the eye in Namibia's opening fixture against the All Blacks by taking to the field with the word 'smash' penned onto the strapping on his forearm, and the 26-year-old admitted he would relish the physical battle with his hulking opposite number.

Renaldo Bothma of Namibia looks on
Renaldo Bothma of Namibia looks on© Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

"It's always nice to prove yourself against top players, so I'm looking forward to playing against him," Bothma said. "He's a good work-rate player and loves the physical stuff.

"I'll be looking out for him as a ball-carrier and a tackler, but he's also just a good player. It's going to be a good match-up. I'm always up for a physical battle so I'm looking forward to it."

Tonga battle to victory over Namibia
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Namibia suffered a heavy loss to tournament favourites New Zealand in their opening fixture before following that up with an improved performance in defeat against Tonga. Georgia, on the other hand, have a victory under their belts after they stunned the Pacific Islanders in their pool opener.

"It's important to keep building on the momentum we've got from New Zealand and Tonga," Bothma added. "We've played some good rugby but sometimes we've just lacked a bit of energy. Tonga scored a couple of easy tries against us and that cost us the game.

"This is the best Namibian side that's performed in the World Cup. We're not just here to play rugby, we're here to compete. We're doing well at the moment but it's just frustrating not to get that first win."

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