Namibia’s streak hits 20

Namibia’s record Rugby World Cup losing run has now hit 20, after the African minnows were overpowered 47-22 by Italy in Higashiosaka last night. In the second fixture of pool B – the group the All Blacks are in – Namibia took a surprise early 7-0 lead under sunny skies, but either side of a torrential downpour the Italians muscled their way back into the ascendancy, scoring seven tries to three in their bonus-point win. This is Namibia’s sixth successive World Cup appearance, but the lowest-ranked nation in this year’s tournament, at world No 23, is now 0-20 in games at the global showpiece.

Italy 47 (Penalty try, Tommaso Allan, Tito Tebaldi, Edoardo Padovani, Carlo Canna, Jake Polledri, Matteo Minozzi tries; Tommaso Allan 3 con, Carlo Canna 2 con) Namibia 22 (Damian Stevens, JC Greyling, Chad Plato tries; Cliven Loubser 2 con, pen). HT: 21-7.

Pictured, Damian Stevens scores for Namibia. Tolu