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Namibia's 20 years of World Cup misery could change this weekend against old foe
Namibia appeared in their first Rugby World Cup back in 1999.
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They were comprehensively outplayed in all three of their matches, ending their campaign with an average score of 14-62.
Since then, Namibia have competed in a further five tournaments, courtesy of being easily the second-best side in Africa – but they’re still yet to record even a sole win in 22 attempts.
That could all be about to change this Sunday, when Namibia travel to Kamaishi to take on Canada.
Namibia entered the 2019 World Cup with the goal of winning just one game.
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That’s a fairly lofty goal when your pool includes three tier one sides (New Zealand, South Africa and Italy) as you have just one opportunity to get things right.
No offence intended to Namibia, but they were never going to threaten the big teams in their group (though they certainly pushed the All Blacks for a good portion of their fixture).
That means Namibia’s chances all boil down to what happens on the final day of the regular competition – and coach Phil Davies couldn’t be happier about it.
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“We talked before the World Cup about the process of preparing rather than the outcome of winning,” Davies said in the lead up to the match.
“That’s what the focus must be. That in itself can take a little bit of pressure off.
“We’ve wanted to be in this position, to try to achieve a win. We tried to achieve it at the last World Cup. A lot of New Zealand players talk about pressure. It’s about embracing it and enjoying it. We want to be in this position and we just have to go and enjoy it as best we can.”
No team have had a bigger monkey on their backs since the All Blacks finally won a second World Cup back in 2011 than Namibia do now. A victory for Namibia against Canada isn’t just about shaking the monkey, however, it could have massive ramifications for the small African nation.
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Josh Larsen's three-week red card punishment for Canada versus South Africa will curiously last four months https://t.co/qfi8ELhiL2
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 10, 2019
“A win will have a lot of significance because this squad would be able to achieve something the previous five haven’t. That will keep enthusiasm up. It will show the investment we’ve had has shown progression and development. But our progression and development through processes has been incredible.
“The last World Cup Namibia qualified through points difference. This World Cup we haven’t been beaten in Africa for four years. We’ve changed the average age of the squad from 31 to 24. There’s a lot of things that have developed and grown. It’s a big ask to say it all comes down to one game but it is a big opportunity.”
It would be a remarkable achievement for a country of just 2.5 million people where rugby is by no means the most popular sport.
The Welwitschias have been knocking on the door for a number of years now, coming agonisingly close to a victory in 2015 when they fell by just a point to Georgia. Only a week earlier they’d set their previous record of closest match at a World Cup, losing 21-25 to Tonga.
Fittingly, the potentially historic match will be played at the historic Kamiashi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Kamaishi, a city that was ravaged by natural disasters in 2011.
All signs point to a fascinating game on Sunday, against opposition that Namibia are all too familiar with.
Way back in 1999, Canada were also Namibia’s final opposition of their World Cup campaign.
Canada won that game 72-11. It would take a very brave man to predict a similar result this weekend.
“It will be a cracking match and hopefully fitting for an end-of-pool game and particularly where it is,” Davies said.
“The venue is an inspiring place, the way they’ve built the city after the tragedy eight years ago. Hopefully, both teams can put on a display that will do justice to the legacy of the World Cup.”
Namibia: Johan Tromp, Leslie Klim, Johan Deysel (c), Darryl de la Harpe, JC Greyling, Cliven Loubster, Eugene Jantjies, Janco Venter, Wian Conradie, Prince Gaoseb, Tjiuee Uanivi, Johan Retief, Johannes Coetzee, Torsten George van Jaarsveld, Andre Rademeye. Reserves: Louis van der Westhuizen, AJ de Klerk, Desiderius Sethie, Max Katjijeko, Rohan Kitsoff, Damians Stevens, Helarius Axasman Kisting, Chad Plato.
Heading to Kamaishi for the game, or staying nearby in Tokyo? Make sure you check out what’s on offer in the revitalised city:
Comments on RugbyPass
Loose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
5 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
9 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
5 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
5 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
1 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
3 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
9 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
5 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
9 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
9 Go to commentsWowee!
9 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
9 Go to commentsJust remember: He is not a winger. Took Ian Foster 2 years to figure that out.
9 Go to commentsExcellent article, Nick. We (your RP colleague Brett McKay and my 8/9 Combo cohost), are going to have LSL on our podcast later this month. He has shown consistent excellence as a leader and lock. I’ll chat with you offline about a line of questioning if you have time. H
9 Go to commentsSo no Irish fan or journalist suggested JGP was as good as DuPont. Then even the guy who supposedly did is from Wales and said JGP would be the best around if it was t for DuPont. Right, so what is this story about again
17 Go to commentsGreat news for the URC. Leinster will always attract top talent. Another huge name added to their stable
9 Go to commentsWhen you look at Australian Rugby you can see the talent coming through. There’s young players everywhere. They have the makings of a strong Wallaby team for years to come if they trust their young players. There might be some short term pain but after 30 or 40 caps together a Wallaby group comprised of the current youngsters will really be top class. It seems like the threat of going under has focused the Rebels both on and off the field. They are having a go like a team with nothing to lose and winning back the fans whilst silencing their detractors. Its funny how an existential threat can spur a team on to new highs. Taking rugby back to the communities will help to build support and create a true team for the community and one rooted into it. It may just work and save the Rebels and if they can get the financing then maybe let them have a go at reinvention. I do feel though that Australian Rugby has one too many franchises. If the Rebels die all these solid young players get infused into other franchises who will have more money, depth and resources. It would make the Australian Rugby franchises so much stronger and they may come to achieve parity with the best franchises from NZ. Super Rugby is throwing up some really entertaining games. Not too much good defence but certainly high pace, try scoring magic on display. Melbourne are no exception to this.
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