Namibia Advances to Dubai Play-Offs with Dominant Win Over UAE

In a decisive display of skill and determination, Namibia's national rugby team, known as the Welwitschias, secured their place in the upcoming Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a commanding score of 86-29. This match, held at Uganda's Mandela National Stadium, was crucial for Namibia as they strive for their eighth consecutive appearance in the Rugby World Cup scheduled for 2027.

Jacques Burger, the head coach of Namibia, expressed his belief that there is significant room for improvement despite the overwhelming victory. 'We can be so much better,' he stated. 'If we can manage the game better and play with more maturity, it’s going to be tough to beat us.' The Welwitschias demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring a total of 13 tries against the UAE, showcasing a mix of agility and strategic play that has become their hallmark.

Historically, Namibia has been a competitive force in African rugby, but their journey to the World Cup has not been without challenges. The team's recent injuries, which sidelined three key players from their recent Rugby Africa Cup final against Zimbabwe, added an extra layer of difficulty to their campaign. Nevertheless, Burger praised the commitment of his players, stating, 'Everybody we called said, “yes, we want to be involved.” With a short amount of time together, they came up and put their hand up.'

The match began with the UAE taking an early lead, as number eight Emosi Vecenaua scored within the first three minutes. However, Namibia quickly retaliated, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond under pressure. The first half concluded with Namibia leading 39-22, driven by notable performances from veteran hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld and backrow Richard Hardwick, each scoring multiple tries.

As the second half commenced, Namibia continued to dominate, further extending their lead. The team's relentless forward pressure ultimately wore down the UAE's defense, resulting in additional tries from players such as Aston Mukwilongo and Armand Combrink. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the UAE remained competitive, with Vecenaua scoring a second try late in the game, reflecting their determination to qualify for their first Rugby World Cup.

Looking ahead, Burger is aware of the challenges that await in Dubai. 'It’s going to be extremely tough against some tough opposition,' he noted. 'But we’ve got to make it work.' The upcoming qualification tournament will feature formidable teams, and Namibia will need to refine their strategies if they hope to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

In summary, Namibia's victory over the UAE has not only kept their Rugby World Cup dreams alive but also highlighted the growing competitiveness of African rugby. As the Welwitschias prepare for their next challenge, the focus will be on building on their strengths while addressing the areas that need improvement. With the right preparation and mindset, Namibia aims to showcase the resilience and character that defines their team as they vie for a place in the Rugby World Cup 2027.