Namibia Kick-Off RWC Qualifying Campaign With a Bang

Namibia kicked-off their RWC 2019 qualifying campaign with a bang, downing Uganda 55-6 in Windhoek. The match was the second of what as the opening day of Africa’s regional qualifying for RWC 2019.

Competing in the Gold Cup are Namibia, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The six African countries are chasing the automatic Africa 1 spot of a place in RWC 2019. Also on the line is a trip to the global repechage tournament, with that spot going to Africa 2.

Based on the opening day of the Gold Cup Namibia is a safe bet for Africa 1. Their dominating victory over Uganda saw nine tries in all bering scored by the Namibians.

Successful qualification for Namibia would see them secure their place in Pool B of RWC 2019. It would also mean Namibia would qualify for a 6th RWC, having played in RWCs 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Also competing today were Zimbabwe and Morocco. Of them one has played in prior RWCs and the other has come very close. Zimbabwe has previously been Africa 1. It was invited, like all competitors, to compete in RWC 1987 and qualified for RWC 1991.

Morocco were close to qualifying for both RWCs 1999 and 2007, ultimately missing out on both occasions. Yet Morocco’s fortunes were boosted today with their 23-23 draw against Zimbabwe. The draw was a major blow for Zimbabwe while it lifts the Moroccans greatly.

Next weekend Morocco will play again, this time at home. Morocco host Kenya in Casablanca while Namibia are to be at home to Tunisia in the remaining fixture next weekend.

Kenya had been well positioned as a team to threatened Namibia. Yet internal issues including cut government funding have left Kenya in a highly problematic situation. Set to gain from this are the opposing sides with Morocco’s home match on June 23 to be the first example.

The Gold Cup will run through until August 18. The final round sees Namibia and Uganda at home against Kenya and Zimbabwe respectively. Between now and then a lot could happen to further impact the path to confirming Africa 1 and Africa 2.

Africa 1  will join Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the repechage winner in Pool B of RWC 2019. In theory, however unlikely, there could be three African countries in the one pool. Africa 1 will open against Italy in Osaka and subsequently face South Africa in Toyota, New Zealand in Tokyo, and the Repechage Winner in Kamaishi.

Africa 2 will join Canada, the winner of the Cook Islands vs Hong Kong and the loser of Samoa vs Germany in repechage.  The four sides will compete in a global repechage tournament in France this coming November to determine who is the Recharge Winner.