The All Blacks confidently dismantled a Namibian side last night that have struggled in their first two matches of this World Cup.
They have been drawn in a tough group alongside the likes of three-time world champions New Zealand, the hosts France, a young and promising Italy side, and a Uruguay outfit that recently pushed the hosts hard in their opening match.
Namibia have still to play two of their games in the pool stages, but their total of 123 conceded points already forbodes a very concerning campaign for the south-west African side.
Feeling confident that their side were going to pull through victorious, the All Blacks rested a good few key players, and instead elected to start rotation players to allow for more game time. Such was their confidence in the victory, the All Blacks played without pressure, throwing the ball around with ease and clearly enjoying the experience.
It was this brilliant pass that really summed up the freedom that the former champions were able to play with, as Ofa Tuʻungafasi made props everywhere proud.
This is outrageous from Ofa Tuʻungafasi #NZLvNAM #RWC2023pic.twitter.com/DMDQcuuqhp
— Rugby World (@Rugbyworldmag) September 15, 2023
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“New Zealand were incredible tonight, especially in the first half. We couldn’t stop them,” Namibia captain Johan Deysel said. “I’m proud of the boys. We chased that try but we couldn’t get it.”
“We feel more disappointed for Le Roux because he left the field so early,” Namibia coach Allister Coetzee said. “It is a game that every boy dreams of playing in.”
“(Roigard and McKenzie) controlled the game well,” All Blacks captain Ardie Savea said. “Damo (McKenzie) was being normal Damo and finding space and Cam’s running game really exploded around the breakdown.”, while All Black coach Ian Foster claimed it was a “step forward,”
This win for New Zealand has taken them up to second place in the pool, whilst Namibia remain on the bottom.
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