2015 Rugby World Cup: New Zealand made to work hard by minnows Namibia in 58-14 win

Action from the game between New Zealand and Namibia

For the full duration of the match Namibia harried and hassled their more illustrious opponents not making it easy for them. And though New Zealand walked away with the 58-14 victory, Namibia had the time of their lives in this first ever clash against the All Blacks in their Pool C clash at the Olympic Stadium in London.

It was no surprise to see the All Blacks to pay tribute to their conquered opponents at the end of the game.Lacking the quality in their ranks that New Zealand possessed, but not the element of fight, Namibia offered constant resistance throughout the game even as they conceded 50+ points and lost by more than 40 points.

Made up of a rag-tag bunch of players, eight of whom were part-time players, Namibia’s star shone brightly despite the loss.

The All Blacks ran in nine tries, but the highlight of the night was the one try scored by Namibia, for it was perhaps the most memorable try in their country’s history. The close to 50,000 crowd inside the stadium was in rapturous mood as the try was scored, prompting huge applause.

The underdogs displayed amazing commitment and defensive organization despite a quick start byNew Zealand and any fears that this was going to be a squash match were quickly dispelled.

Lead by their lion-hearted flankers and inspirational captain Jacques Burger, the Namibians rallied and how! 10 minutes into the second half came the moment of the match when turning down a penalty kick chance, Namibia kicked the ball into touch and off the resulting line-out, produced a brilliant team try, initiated by hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld and touched down by centre Johan Deysel, who managed to get through three tacklers in the end to score.

It was no more than what Namibia deserved for their intensity and effort was what forced the All Blacks into turning in a less than convincing performance filled with many errors and faulty execution.

For New Zealand, two tries a piece were scored by their two wings – Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea. Milner-Skudder in particular was impressive and was named man-of-the-match.Victor Vito, Malakai Fekitoa, Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith and Codie Taylor scored the other tries. Barrett had 16 points in all thanks to his kicking game.

For Namibia, their fly-half Theuns Kotze kept adding the points and was instrumental in his team getting to 14 points. Despite a hot start from New Zealand that saw Vito and Milner-Skudder score early tries within 10 minutes, Namibia, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, didn’t lose heart.

Burger soon forced a penalty out of New Zealand with some impressive defensive work and Kotze converted to get Namibia on the scoreboard and the fans inside the stadium upbeat with joy.

Sonny Bill Williams had another impactful game as he demonstrated his amazing passing ability and knack for deft offloads as he helped Fekitoa touch down for his try and also aided Milner-Skudder in his second, on the stroke of half-time.

Barrett had added another between the two tries with a quick step and burst of pace that left the Namibian defence flatfooted. New Zealand led 34-6 at half-time.Savea then scored his first try since last November in the second half, after which came Deysel’s momentous try for Namibia.

The minnows were reduced to 14 men towards the end when Jaco Engels was yellow carded for a cynical foul and they paid the price for it as substitute Ben Smith crossed over in style for a try.

Burger was replaced on 65 minutes after a heroic display for Namibia. Between him and his partner du Plessis, they had made 27 tackles in the game. Savea added his second and Taylor added another as the defending champions rounded off the night with tries on a night where they were made to work much harder than what everyone had expected.