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Magnificent France romped to their biggest-ever rugby victory when they ran in 14 tries, including a hat-trick for Damian Penaud, to crush Namibia 96-0 in a raucous Marseille Velodrome
The All Blacks got back to winning ways in some style at the World Cup on Friday by running in 11 tries in a 71-3 hammering of a courageous but outclassed Namibia side to revive their Pool A campaign.
The countdown to the 2023 Rugby World Cup has officially crossed two weeks with 20 teams from across the world set to descend on France and compete for the coveted Webb Ellis trophy. Read on as we preview Pool A ahead of kick-off.
Rugby World Cup 2023 is fast approaching, with the countdown well and truly on for what looms as the most competitive tournament on record. Stay up to date with all the 33-man squads as they are unveiled.
Namibia qualified for their seventh successive Rugby World Cup finals, comprehensively beating Kenya 36-0 on Sunday in Aix-en-Provence, France to win the Rugby Africa Cup.
World Rugby has advised supporters not to travel to Kamaishi for Sunday's Rugby World Cup match between Namibia and Canada.
Zimbabwe-born Wallabies star David Pocock has enjoyed the improved performances of some of rugby's Tier 2 nations at the World Cup and believes there may be some merit in further relaxing the eligibility laws to help continue that upward trajectory.
Anyone still doubting the improvement and value of Tier 2 nations at the Rugby World Cup need look no further than Namibia's brave showing against the All Blacks on Sunday.
There was only ever going to be one winner of the 'African derby', despite what Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus had termed his 'fringe' selection, and minnows Namibia simply could not cope with South Africa's physicality.
Namibian rugby legend Jacques Burger believes the team can take pride from standing toe-to-toe with South Africa and New Zealand, and use that emotion to bolster their chances of recording a first Rugby World Cup victory.
Italy scored three tries within the space of 10 minutes either side of halftime to give themselves some breathing room against a stubborn Namibia before recording a 47-22 win in their Pool B opener at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on Sunday.
"There was never a possibility of the team not going to the World Cup," Namibian Rugby Union president Corrie Mensah told ESPN. "That's why we have done everything in our power to sort out the issues between the NRU and the NRL."
Chrysander Botha and Louis van der Westhuizen each scored two tries as the Welwitschias defeated Kenya in a winner-takes-all fixture to decide the Rugby Africa Gold Cup champions.
The Sables' quest for a first win in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup campaign faces a formidable challenge when they host unbeaten Namibia in round four at Hartsfield Grounds in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Namibian captain Renaldo Bothma on a long-term deal, with the 27 year-old joining from Super Rugby's side, the Bulls.
Pool A | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
R | Team | GP | PD | P |
1 | France | 4 | +178 | 18 |
2 | New Zealand | 4 | +206 | 15 |
3 | Italy | 4 | -67 | 10 |
4 | Uruguay | 4 | -99 | 5 |
5 | Namibia | 4 | -218 | 0 |
Pool B | ||||
R | Team | GP | PD | P |
1 | Ireland | 4 | +144 | 19 |
2 | South Africa | 4 | +117 | 15 |
3 | Scotland | 4 | +75 | 10 |
4 | Tonga | 4 | -81 | 5 |
5 | Romania | 4 | -255 | 0 |
Pool C | ||||
R | Team | GP | PD | P |
1 | Wales | 4 | +84 | 19 |
2 | Fiji | 4 | +5 | 11 |
3 | Australia | 4 | -1 | 11 |
4 | Portugal | 4 | -39 | 6 |
5 | Georgia | 4 | -49 | 3 |
Pool D | ||||
R | Team | GP | PD | P |
1 | England | 4 | +111 | 18 |
2 | Argentina | 4 | +58 | 14 |
3 | Japan | 4 | +2 | 9 |
4 | Samoa | 4 | +17 | 7 |
5 | Chile | 4 | -188 | 0 |