ABs win hearts and minds
Namibians bubbling after match despite the ‘cruel’ scoreline
The All Blacks have again won hearts and minds at the Rugby World Cup, with Namibian players and staff lauding the team for their show of sportsmanship during — and after — their clash in Tokyo.
Despite a sluggish start, the All Blacks thrashed the African minnows 71-9, to top their pool and all but secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Talking to media after the match, Namibian head coach Phil Davies said the All Blacks were “fantastic”.
“It was just really pleasing that what we talked about before the game we managed to do on the field against the best team in the world.
“The scoreboard’s not very pretty at the end but I’m just so proud . . . we’ve come a long way.
“I think [they’re earning the respect]. It was a great game of footy, as Steve [Hansen, All Blacks head coach] said and I’m proud of the way [Namibia] played.
“The All Blacks are a fantastic team, they play in a wonderful spirit, and that’s what the game’s all about.”
Davies was pictured swapping jerseys with Hansen after the match.
Davies said afterwards: “The scoreboard was a bit cruel in the end, but we’re pleased with the way we applied ourselves against the best team in the world.”
The two coaches share strong Welsh connections. Welshman Davies spent two years learning his trade at international level as Wales under-20s coach, and represented Wales at the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cups.
A loose forward, he became boss of Namibia in 2015, via coaching spells at the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues.
Hansen was head coach of Wales for 30 games in 2002 to 2004, though it is fair to say it was not a memorable period for Welsh rugby.
After the game on Sunday, fullback Ben Smith revealed how the All Blacks insisted on visiting the Namibian changing rooms to check in with their players, most of whom are still amateurs.
“It was a good demonstration of why you play footy — catching up with them after the game in the changing room,” Smith said.
“Some of them have jobs that they work nine to five and I think they were just excited to get out there and be involved in a World Cup.
“That’s the beauty of the game, to get in the changing room and to share a drink with them and have a bit of a yarn and a catchup on how they’re enjoying the tournament and what it means to them to be here. It brings a bit of perspective to the game and what it’s all about.”
The All Blacks next face Italy in their final match in pool play, while Namibia meet Canada in the battle for the wooden spoon in Pool B.