Dubai: Namibia began their quest to secure the final berth at the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia with a disappointing 15-22 defeat to Belgium in their opening match of the Final Qualification Tournament at The Sevens Stadium.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the defeat is a significant blow to Namibia's hopes of extending their impressive run of seven consecutive Rugby World Cup appearances. Their dream of an eighth appearance is looking increasingly distant as Belgium produced a disciplined display, fully deserving their triumph in a fiercely contested encounter.

The Namibians, regulars at the global showpiece, struggled from the beginning as Belgium dominated the opening exchanges. The Europeans controlled possession through multiple phases, keeping Namibia pinned in their own half and preventing them from touching the ball until four minutes into the match. Belgium's early pressure paid off with a 10-0 lead by the 16th minute, capitalizing on a turnover penalty after disrupting Namibia's attack.

Namibia squandered a promising opportunity five minutes later when, opting for a lineout instead of a kick at goal, they knocked on just metres from the Belgian try line. Belgium continued to assert their dominance, winning key penalties at the breakdown and extending their lead to 17-0 following another well-executed lineout and series of attacking phases.

Namibia's first points came via a second-half penalty, before late tries from captain Johan Deysel and Johan Luttig reduced the deficit and earned them a losing bonus point. However, it was Belgium's composure and physicality that ultimately defined the contest.

Namibia must now regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against Samoa on Thursday, where only a victory will keep their Rugby World Cup 2027 hopes alive. Belgium, meanwhile, will take on Brazil in their next outing.