Odds stacked against outsiders

LAMBS to the slaughter: that’s the unappetising spectre for Pool D’s whipping boys, Namibia, when they face one of the tournament’s favourites, Ireland, at Stade Chaban-Delmas tomorrow. Namibia concede, on average, over 70 points every time they step on the field at the World Cup but will hope to improve on that statistic against Ireland’s strongest available XV.

The odds of doing that are stacked firmly against them, though captain, Kees Lensing, believes Namibia can at least live with the Ireland scrum. However, defensively they could be very vulnerable as the Irish intend on bettering the 64-7 winning scoreline over the Africans from their last meeting at RWC 2003.

Lensing, a national hero in Namibia, believes the “Welwitchias” front eight is their strong point, a fact acknowledged by Ireland’s forwards coach, Niall O’Donovan in Bordeaux yesterday. “The Irish pack have players who are used to playing at this level,” said Lensing. “It is normal for them, whereas we don’t play at this level so often.”

Namibia’s RWC record makes for depressing reading and it’s unlikely to change tomorrow or during this tournament: they’ve have never won a World Cup match, are on a seven-match world Cup losing streak and no team has played as many world cup matches without recording a win. Lensing feels he has a responsibility to keep spirit up in the camp. “I think it will be important, especially in tough times during the game. I will need to call the guys in, calm them down and restructure things. If we play as we’ve trained, things will go to plan. The more experienced you are, the more level-headed you are and you will make the right decisions.

“I think the rugby World Cup is the third biggest sports event after the Olympic Games and the soccer World cup. There is not one guy who is not proud to be here. We are representing our country and flying its flag. But the tournament isn’t about pride, it’s about rugby.”

Hugo Horn, the team’s hooker, is adamant Namibia can trouble Ireland in the forward exchanges and he holds no fears in going head-to-head with Rory Best. “We are heavy, hard, big guys. The African continent and those that play in South Africa are known for it.

“I don’t analyse the guys against us. I just go and try to be a better player on the day.”

He remains optimistic that Namibia can improve on previous RWC outings.

“We’ve done a lot of work to raise our level. We are much better prepared than in previous World Cups and this is the best Namibia team in a long time.”