Namibia on verge of sixth straight rugby World Cup appearance

JOHANNESBURG: Namibia moved closer to a sixth straight Rugby World Cup appearance by scoring eight tries in a bonus- point 58- 28 triumph over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo this weekend.

Uganda went on a scoring spree in another qualifier for the 2019 global showpiece in Japan, recovering from conceding an early try to trounce Tunisia 6712 in Kampala.

Namibia lead the six- nation African qualifying competition with maximum points from four matches and their final fixture is at home to closest rivals Kenya on August 18.

Even if Kenya achieve an expected win over Tunisia in Nairobi this Saturday, they will trail Namibia by at least three points and must win in Windhoek to snatch first place.

Given that Namibia have averaged 73 points in four matches under Welsh coach Phil Davies, it is probably asking too much of Kenya to win in southwestern Africa.

The Kenyans do boast a perfect record from three outings, but failed to secure even one bonus point when overcoming Morocco away and Zimbabwe and Uganda at home.

Namibia have 20 points, Kenya 12, Uganda five, Tunisia four and Zimbabwe and Morocco three each with two matchdays remaining in the single- round mini-league.

The team finishing first goes into Pool B at the World Cup with defending champions New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and the repechage tournament winners.