big victory for New Zealand against Namibia

It was a New Zealand team largely overhauled after its defeat against France which won on Friday in Toulouse against Namibia, swept aside 71-3. The All Blacks occupy second place in Group A, behind France.

Eleven tries for New Zealand

Logically dominating in speed and impacts, the triple world champions, authors of eleven tries, returned to victory after two consecutive defeats against the Springboks (35-7) in preparation for this World Cup, and at the Stade de France in opening of the competition (27-13).

They now occupy second place in Group A (with five points), behind France (8 points), which struggled to win Thursday evening against the valiant Uruguayans (27-12).

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“It’s good to win this evening, especially after last week’s result, even if we will have to overcome the little problems we had, particularly in terms of discipline” rejoiced Ardie Savea, the captain of the Blacks. “I’m very proud of the guys” he added.

Successful start to the match for the Blacks

In complicated conditions (rain and gusts of wind), New Zealand got off to a flying start, with young Cam Roigard celebrating his first start in the scrum with two tries scored in quick succession at the start of the match. Their partners added four new tries before half-time, allowing them to win the offensive bonus in the 25th minute.

In the second half, Ian Foster’s men offered themselves five new tries, Roigard, definitely in form and named man of the match, delivering two assists in the process.

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This meeting is also that of a record 148th selection: second row Sam Whitelock (34 years old) equaled legend Richie McCaw in the number of appearances with the New Zealand selection. The All Blacks were, however, reduced to 14 men in the second half after the yellow card received by de Groot (72nd), finally transformed into red after intervention from the bunker.

A modest, but playful Namibia

Namibia, too limited, did no better than in its previous confrontations against the silver fern players, during the 2019 World Cups (71-9, 11 tries) and 2015 (58-14, 9 tries) . Courageous and warmly encouraged by the Toulouse public, the « Welwitschias » Namibians, who take their nickname from a unique coastal desert plant, could have scored more points from penalties, but they often preferred to approach the New Zealand line in an attempt to score, without success.

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“They were just too strong for us. I’m still satisfied, because we managed to create some opportunities even if we didn’t manage to make them come true. We learn from these Tier 1 teams every time we play against them” preferred to retain Namibia coach Allister Coetzee.

Beaten by Italy in the first match of this 2023 World Cup, his team is still chasing a first victory in the World Cup, with now 23 defeats in a row. Namibia will meet France on September 21, before facing Uruguay in their final match in the competition (September 27). The Blacks will only play again on September 29 against Italy, before facing Uruguay on October 5.