Rugby World Cup: Uruguay overthrows an attractive Namibia and saves honor

Uruguay wins the low-ranked duel. This Wednesday in Lyon, the Teros beat Namibia (33-26) with the offensive bonus. This is their first victory in this 2023 World Cup.

They were promised hell. Worst defense of the tournament with 219 points conceded, the Namibians faced this afternoon a team from Uruguay which had left a very good impression, particularly against France (12-27 defeat). However, it was the African team that opened the scoring with the fastest try of the competition, after one minute and one second of play. On a skipped pass from Arata, Mouton intercepted and went alone to essay. Namibian fly-half Swanepoel converts his first kick of the evening.

We think of a coincidence, we tell ourselves that the Teros will react immediately. But it is the “Welwitschia” who widen the gap in the 11th minute of play. Chaining picks and go in the opposing 22 meters, they move away on the left side and the leather lands in the hands of Greyling, who accelerates to flatten. Swanepoel transforms again (14-0, 11'). Uruguay then decides to react and reduces the gap with Amaya, who collapses in the in-goal after having passed forcefully. Small black spot, bankruptcy at the foot of Etcheberry as well as against Italy. They scored a second try a few minutes later thanks to a collective effort from the forwards, converted by Kessler (28'). 20 to 12 at the break, in an exciting match.

As too often in this World Cup, the Namibians broke down in the second act. Leading by 8 points, they quickly caught up following Coetzee's yellow card (48'). Amaya scored a nice double (49') and Arrata put his team in front five minutes later with his team's fourth try, synonymous with an offensive bonus (54').

Uanivi, the Namibian captain, then Sethie, received a yellow and red card in quick succession one minute apart (62'). Basso took the opportunity to also score a try, the last of the match (66'). Despite a final penalty from Swanepoel (69'), the Namibians were too undisciplined in the second half to hope to win. They still come out of the competition with honors.