World Cup 2023: Feast of Tests for the Blacks against Namibia
New Zealand, much improved after their defeat to France, handed themselves a set of tests on Friday in Toulouse, synonymous with attacking bounty, against lowly Namibia, which they swept 71-3.
The three-time world champions logically controlled the pace and effects, made eleven attempts, and returned to victory after two successive defeats to the Springboks (35-7) in preparation for the World Cup, and at the Stade de France in the opening of the competition. (27-13).
It now occupies second place in Group A (with five points) behind France (8 points), which suffered a victory on Thursday evening over a brave Uruguay (27-12).
“It’s good to win this evening, especially after last week’s result, even if we have to erase the small problems we had, especially in terms of discipline,” said Lions captain Ardi Savea. “I’m very proud of the guys,” he added.
Namibia’s performance, which was very limited, was no better than in its previous matches against the Silver Ferns, during the 2019 World Cup finals (71-9, 11 attempts) and 2015 (58-14, 9 attempts).
In complicated conditions (rain and wind), New Zealand got off to a flying start, with youngster Cam Roegaard marking his first appearance in the ceremony with two tries scored in quick succession early in the match.
Their partners added four new tries before half-time, allowing them to win the attacking bonus in the 25th minute.
In the second half, Ian Foster’s men gave themselves five new tries, and Roegaard was certainly in fine form and was named man of the match, providing two assists in the process.
This also marks a record 148th selection: Second row Sam Whitlock (34) equals legend Richie McCaw in number of appearances for New Zealand selection.
However, the All-Blacks were reduced to 14 in the second half following a yellow card received by De Groot (72), which finally turned red after a tackle from the dugout.
Undaunted and warmly cheered by the Toulouse crowd, the Namibian ‘Wilwichias’, who take their nickname from a unique plant of the coastal desert, could have scored more points on penalties, but they often preferred to approach the New Zealand line to try to score without success.
“They were too strong for us. I’m still happy that we were able to create some chances even if we couldn’t convert them. We learn from these top-level teams every time we play against them,” he said, preferring to keep them. Namibia coach Alistair Coetzee.
His team is still seeking its first victory in the World Cup, having now suffered 23 consecutive defeats. There is a small chance that the league will stop against France on September 21, but it is possible that this will happen against Uruguay in its last match in the competition (September 27).
In Group A, the Lions will play only once again on September 29 against Italy, before facing Uruguay on October 5.