Our World Cup hoodoo

Japan Rugby World Cup fever is very high at the moment, with many Namibians focusing on Pool B, where the Welwitschias are grouped alongside reigning world champions New Zealand, South Africa’s Springboks, Canada and Six Nations’ whipping boys Italy. Despite consistently qualifying for rugby’s biggest global showpiece for a record six times, the Namibian side are yet to win a match. Last Sunday’s opening loss to Italy was Namibia’s 20th defeat at Rugby World Cups over the years. In fact, not many are giving our boys a chance of breaking their drought and winning a World Cup match for the first time in their history, considering they still have to face the might of the all-conquering All Blacks and our talented neighbours south of the Orange River. However, Namibia are looking at improving this time around and registering at least one victory. During the 2015 edition, the Namibians snatched a losing bonus point, after their narrow 17-16 defeat to Georgia. A win against Canada, who are ranked a mere one place above Namibia, is within reach. This is according to many rugby commentators. However, seeing that many are not giving Namibia a chance against more fancied opponents like the All Blacks and the Springboks, surely the time has arrived for our boys to rewrite the history books and ditch their perpetual whipping boys’ tag this time around. Just like Namibia, Canada are also made up of those juggling full-time work and rugby. The 13 October clash will therefore be an exciting battle between two sides who have quite a lot in common. Namibia can ill-afford to rest on their laurels against Canada. They need to massively improve from their 47-22 defeat to Italy on Sunday, by producing a brave defensive display this time around. Equally, we have nothing to lose against the All Blacks and South Africa; we have to go out there and compete with the best. Good luck to our boys!