Namibia are one step closer to qualifying for the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup, after beating United Arab Emirates in the Asia-Africa Playoff.
The Welwitschias thrashed UAE by 86-29 (halftime 39-22) points at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Namibia scored thirteen tries through Danie Van Der Merwe (2), Richard Hardwick (2), Torsten Van Jaarsveld (2), Oliver Kurz, Aston Mukwilongo (2), Adriaan Ludick, Armand Combrinck (2) and Max Katjijeko. Cliven Loubser (one conversion) and Andrew Van Der Berg (eight conversions and one penalty) kicked the other points.
UAE were no match for Namibia’s forwards who used the rolling maul to such devastating effect, and the backs whose pace was a sight to behold. But they put points on the board through Emosi Vecenaua (two tries), Jack Stapley and Max Johnson (three conversions, one penalty and one try).
Overall, it was not the most clinical of displays from both teams as three yellow cards — two to UAE and one to Namibia — were dished out in the match.
Although the stands were nearly empty, NBS Sport produced and broadcast the match to hundreds of thousands of viewers in Uganda and around the world.
Victory means Namibia progress to the Final Qualification Tournament to be played from November 8-18 in Dubai, UAE.
They will face Belgium (Europe) and two other nations from South America and/or the Pacific who are yet to complete their regional qualifiers.
