In Lyon on Wednesday, the Rugby World Cup underdogs, Uruguay and Namibia, are set to collide in what can be described as their own personal "final."
In this showdown, the victorious team will bask in glory, while the defeated side will have to endure four years of frustration.
Both Uruguay and Namibia found themselves in the challenging Pool A, sharing the stage with formidable opponents like three-time champions New Zealand, host nation France, and Tier 1 team Italy. Amongst these matchups, this particular game stood out as the most realistic opportunity for either side to secure a win at the tournament.
This significance is magnified for Namibia, which is appearing in their seventh World Cup and still in pursuit of their first victory after suffering 25 consecutive defeats. Head coach Allister Coetzee had to make eight changes to his squad after a devastating 96-0 loss to France, which saw regular captain Johan Deysel suspended due to a red card incident that resulted in a fractured cheekbone for France's Antoine Dupont. Additionally, injuries have sidelined several key players.
Coetzee acknowledged the challenges faced by Tier II countries, stating, "It's tough to play four matches in 18 days for any Tier II country; we don't have a lot of depth." However, he praised the resilience of his players and their ability to rise to the occasion despite the demanding schedule.
For Namibia, there's an extra incentive to break their World Cup jinx, especially after their best chance of victory four years ago in Japan was dashed when their match against Canada was cancelled due to a typhoon.
Both coaches and players recognise the immense importance of this match. Coetzee emphasised the potential impact of a win on the country, stating, "The players know that a game like this and what a win means for the country can change a lot." He expressed the team's determination to overcome this final hurdle.
However, winning won't be a straightforward task, as Uruguay has displayed commendable performances in France. While Namibia conceded a total of 219 points in their first three matches, Uruguay remained competitive in their losses to France (27-12) and Italy (38-17).
Uruguay's captain, Andres Vilaseca, acknowledged the pressure and expectations surrounding the team, saying, "Uruguay has only won three games in all the history of the Rugby World Cup, and this adds perhaps some pressure on our side." He highlighted the significance of this match and the need to confirm their progress.
Both sides are well aware of the significance of this encounter, with Vilaseca describing it as a "final" for both teams. In their previous encounters, Uruguay has won four out of five matches, including a World Cup warm-up game in August.
