Rugby World Cup: Italy Crush Namibia

Namibia opened their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign on a wrong foot, losing 47-22 to Italy in a Group B match played at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on Sunday.

The Phil Davies coached charges scored their first points in the fifth minute through a try by scrum-half Damian Stevens.

Italy drew level five minutes later through a penalty try after Namibia collapsed a scrum five metres out.

The speedy Lucas Morisi destroyed the young Namibian side with his prowess tearing the defence apart before passing the ball to fly-half Tommaso Allan who ran into it at pace and crashed over.

The Azzuris ensured they extended their lead with three quick tries either side of half-time, effectively putting the game to bed.

Second-rower Federico Ruzza sent the ball to Tito Tebaldi at the end of the first half before Tommaso Benvenuti’s cross-field kick was picked up by Edoardo Padovani to slide in.

Carlo Canna extended the lead by going over the line following a ruck. JC Greyling scored in the corner for Namibia but Italy finished well.

Jake Polledri peeled off the back of the maul to crash over and Matteo Minozzi coasted in after Italy spread the ball wide from a lineout.

Plato then burst clear for a late consolation for the battling Namibians but that was not enough to stop the Italians who had a field day tearing through them like a knife piercing through a yam.

Despite the loss, coach Phil Davies praised his charges and promised Namibian fans that they will put their act together in the next game as they chase their first-ever win in the World Cup.

“I’m very proud of the players, the way we adapted to the speed of the game, some of the tries we scored and some of the resolute defence,” Davies said.

“The effort, the commitment of the players and the way we tried to play was exciting, we just have to be a little bit more accurate to the ball the next time we play.”