2019 Rugby World Cup

The Boks willing to eat Namibia

By Guillaume Mahot

After a first game (and a first defeat) in this Japanese rugby world cup lost 13-23 against New Zealand in a very fierce and high level opposition, surely the best game in the tournament so far, South Africa will attempt to seize a first victory tomorrow facing up to Namibia.

This confrontation between the two African neighbors has the appearances of a derby right in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, but it is actually quite unbalanced, both teams having very different ambitions in this competition. As a matter of fact, while South Africa, considered as a potential winner of the Japanese edition (along with the All Blacks, Ireland, England and Australia), mostly sees this game as a formality and a must win, things are quite different for Namibia. 

Indeed, Namibians know it will be practically impossible (without being defeatist) to pass in this pool B dominated by the last winner of the Rugby Championship and the double world champion in title. At this stage, even one victory in the group would be a good performance for Namibia (let us remind the composition of the group: Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Namibia and Canada), who lost the first game 22-47 against Italy.

Rassie Erasmus, the Boks manager, decided to make not less than thirteen changes in his starting lineup for the upcoming game. Only Makazole Makimpi and Lukhanyo Am, who played the first game, will be present at the first whistle blow. Cheslin Kolbe, who impressed against the Blacks by his speed and technical skills, will sit on the bench, like captain Siya Kolisi and Thomas du Toit, who replaced Trevor Nyakane. The latter, 42 selections with South Africa, had to leave the tournament and go back home due to an injury contracted against New Zealand.

Africa Global News Publication