Rugby World Cup 2023 Match: New Zealand v Namibia Preview
The All Blacks are determined to bounce back from their recent 27-13 defeat against France in the tournament opener at Stade de France. Coach Ian Foster has made significant changes to the starting lineup, with nine alterations, while key players like Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, and Anton Lienert-Brown retain their positions.
Namibia, on the other hand, began their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign with a challenging 52-8 defeat against Italy in Saint-Étienne. Despite the loss, captain Johan Deysel saw it as a valuable learning experience.
Both teams will enjoy more favorable weather conditions in Toulouse compared to their previous matches in France.
This match marks the third time these two teams have faced each other in the Rugby World Cup pool phase. On both previous occasions, the All Blacks secured convincing victories: 58-14 at London’s Olympic Stadium in 2015 and 71-9 at Tokyo Stadium four years ago.
In their 2015 encounter, New Zealand dominated Namibia, winning 58-14. While New Zealand's nine tries were impressive, what stood out was Johan Deysel's second-half try for Namibia. The Welwitschias, showing determination and organization, chose to go for a try rather than a kick at goal, leaving a lasting memory in a match where they posed more challenges to New Zealand than the scoreline suggests.
New Zealand's first-ever pool phase defeat in the tournament opener against France is still a topic of discussion. Having previously won 31 consecutive pool matches at Rugby World Cups, the All Blacks are expected to bounce back strongly in this encounter. The focus will be on their performance and their response to the earlier setback.
One of the key player matchups to watch is between Damian McKenzie of New Zealand and Tiaan Swanepoel of Namibia. McKenzie, with 43 caps, is making his World Cup start after recovering from an ankle injury that ruled him out of RWC 2019. Swanepoel, on the other hand, has substantial experience in the number 10 position and possesses exceptional kicking skills, making him a valuable asset for Namibia.
Sam Whitelock is set to equal Richie McCaw as the most capped All Black in test history when he plays his 148th match in Toulouse. This match will also be his 21st appearance in a Rugby World Cup, just one behind joint record holders McCaw and England’s Jason Leonard. Whitelock previously played in both of the All Blacks' encounters with Namibia and scored one of his seven international tries against them.
The match will be officiated by Luke Pearce from England, who became the youngest referee to be promoted to the English RFU's National panel in 2009.
Team Lineups
New Zealand:
- Beauden Barrett; Caleb Clarke, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Ofa Tuungafasi, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea (captain)
Replacements:
- Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga, Rieko Ioane
Namibia:
- Cliven Loubser; Gerswin Mouton, Johan Deysel (captain), Le Roux Malan, Divan Rossouw; Tiaan Swanepoel, Damian Stevens; Jason Benade, Torsten Van Jaarsveld, Johan Coetzee; Johan Retief, Tjiuee Uanivi; Wian Conradie, Prince Gaoseb, Richard Hardwick
Replacements:
- Louis van der Westhuizen, Desiderius Sethie, Haitembu Shifuka, PJ Van Lill, Adriaan Booysen, Max Katjijeko, Jacques Theron, JC Greyling
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