Namibia’s remarkable run of Rugby World Cup appearances has come to a close in Dubai, bringing an end to a streak that began in 1999 and stretched across seven consecutive global tournaments. The Welwitschias, long a permanent fixture on rugby’s biggest stage, saw their 2027 hopes extinguished after a 26–8 defeat to Samoa in Tuesday’s Final Qualification Tournament action.
Samoa asserted themselves from the outset, slicing through Namibia’s defence with ease. Jonathan Taumateine opened the scoring inside five minutes, and Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong soon added a second. With Jacob Umaga converting both tries, Samoa raced into a commanding 14–0 lead.
Namibia struggled to settle. Despite their intent and endeavour, repeated handling errors stalled their momentum and left them chasing shadows. Samoa capitalised again when Va’afauese Apelu Maliko finished in the corner after a well-worked scrum move, giving the Pacific islanders a 19–0 advantage at halftime.
The Welwitschias emerged from the break looking more composed. They strung phases together and finally got on the board through Cliven Loubser’s penalty. But Samoa’s grip on the match never loosened. Alamanda Motuga’s try early in the second half sealed the result long before the final whistle.
Namibia did produce a late highlight, piecing together a flowing team move finished by Jay-Cee Nel. But the consolation score did little to alter the broader picture.
With two losses from two, having fallen 22–15 to Belgium in their opener,Namibia are now marooned in third place with one match to play. Even a closing-round win will not be enough to rescue their campaign, leaving them set to miss the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1995.
Samoa, meanwhile, move into a decisive showdown with Belgium in five days’ time, knowing that top spot and a ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia now lies firmly within reach.
English