Welwitschias coach Allister Coetzee says the team achieved its goal of qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup under difficult conditions following their 36-0 victory over Kenya in France on Sunday.

Speaking to Nampa from France, Coetzee said the team’s tactics on the night were spot on as they made sure that they apply enough scoreboard pressure to keep the Simbas of Kenya at bay.

“It was an outstanding performance as knockout rugby is never easy. There were tough conditions as the ball was sweaty and wet, which made it challenging,” he recounted.

The former Springbok and Western Province coach said he was proud of the team, especially the senior players who led the team to achieve its mission of qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Coetzee added that the team has made Namibians very proud, giving hope to the nation amid various social challenges.

“We need these positive things and hopefully people are now preparing to go to the World Cup and support the boys. It has been a fantastic effort by everyone,” Coetzee said.

Namibia defeated Kenya 36-0 in the final to win the Rugby Africa Cup and qualify for the World Cup in France next year.

Kenya now heads off to the Repechage Final Qualifying Tournament scheduled for November.

The Welwitschias had accounted for Burkina Faso 71-5 in the quarter-finals before seeing off a strong challenge from Zimbabwe by 34-19 in the semi-finals.

They now join three-time winners New Zealand, Italy and Uruguay at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Pool A alongside hosts France, where the search for their first-ever win in the finals continues.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency