Uruguay clinched its maiden victory at the Rugby World Cup 2023, but not without a formidable challenge from Namibia.
In their pursuit of a historic World Cup win after 26 attempts, the Welwitschias made a blistering start, taking a 14-0 lead within the opening minutes, thanks to Gerswin Mouton and JC Greyling’s tries.
Despite Baltazar Amaya and German Hessler responding with tries for Uruguay, Namibia maintained the lead, aided by three penalties from fly-half Tiaan Swanepoel, reaching 23-12 early in the second half.
However, the turning point arrived in the 48th minute when Uruguay’s pack forced a series of scrum penalties on Namibia’s five-meter line, resulting in a yellow card. In the absence of prop Johan Coetzee, Los Teros scored 14 crucial points.
Namibia’s discipline crumbled from there. Captain Tjiuee Uanivi received a yellow card, and a yellow card turned red for replacement prop Desiderius Sethie, sealing their fate.
Uruguay capitalized on this advantage, securing further tries from Amaya, Santiago Arata, and Bautista Basso, ultimately clinching victory. Uruguay’s final pool game will be against New Zealand on October 5, while Namibia heads home.
Santiago Arata, the Mastercard Player of the Match, dedicated the win to the Uruguayan supporters: “First victory for us (at Rugby World Cup 2023), I want to say thank you to all the Uruguayans, massive support. This victory is for them.”
Uruguay captain Andres Vilaseca expressed his pride: “I am very proud. We had to win. I think the whole group deserves the victory, and we have been working so hard. Uruguay only had three (Rugby World Cup) wins in history; today we got the fourth.”
Esteban Meneses, Uruguay’s head coach, looked forward to facing New Zealand, praising his players: “The players are incredible, I am very proud of them. All the players and staff want to play against them; it is a very good opportunity to play against New Zealand.”
Namibia’s captain, Uanivi, attributed the defeat to discipline issues: “Our discipline let us down. To get two yellow cards and then a red one makes it very hard. Our discipline at the end of the day costs us. We lost the game, but I am very proud of the boys. I know they left it all out there.”
Namibia’s head coach, Allister Coetzee, also emphasized the impact of red and yellow cards on the outcome: “Uruguay took control of the game, but that is test-match rugby when you concede 12 penalties and three cards, it is very difficult… These are things that cost you in test rugby. There is nothing you can do – you can’t hide about it if you are not up to it. But I must commend the team for playing until the end.”
Source: -Rugby World Cup Website
