Namibia’s streak hits 20

Wallabies recover

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, scores for Namibia.

Tolu

The Wallabies needed two tries from hooker

to help see off Fiji 39-21 in Sapporo. Trailing 21-12 with half-an-hour remaining, the Australian pack took command to ensure they dodged what would have been one of the worst results in their tournament history. Despite ultimately scoring six tries to two, there is plenty of work for Michael Cheika’s men to do before playing Wales next week after an error-riddled first-half performance in which they had been bullied by the Fijians. Australia 39 (Tolu Latu 2, Michael Hooper, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete tries; Matt Toomua 2 con, Christian Lealiifano con, Reece Hodge pen) Fiji 21 (Peceli Yato, Waisea Nayacalevu tries; Ben Volavola con, 3 pen). HT: 12-14.

Latu Damian Stevens