The group stage clash at the Rugby World Cup has just delivered its verdict. In Pool B, South Africa lost to Ireland 13-8. Namibia lost to France 96-0 on Thursday.
Ireland dominate South Africa in Pool B clash
In this duel of behemoths, it was South Africa who kicked off the hostilities. After a foul by O'Mahony, Libbok scored a penalty to give his side the lead (3-0, 5th minute). A gladiatorial battle ensued.Little by little, the Irish took the lead. The Shamrock XV scored the first try of the game to take the lead. Sexton was stopped on an advance. But the ball was passed to Hansen, who flattened the ball. Sexton then converted and Ireland were ahead (7-3). It was with this scoreline that the two teams went into half-time.
Les combinaisons irlandaises : toujours un régal pour les yeux#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/KifcR5C2q6
— Rugby World Cup FR 🇫🇷 (@RugbyWorldCupFR) September 23, 2023
But the reigning world champions were not to be denied. Early in the second half, Cheslin Kolbe received the ball from Libbok after a scrum. The former Toulon player scored the try that put the Springboks back in the lead (51st, 8-3). However, Libbok missed the conversion. The joy was short-lived, however, as Sexton converted a penalty seven minutes later. Ireland regained the lead (10-8) in this neck-and-neck battle. The Irish added to their lead with another Crowley penalty (77th, 13-8). Sexton's team-mates won this clash and sent a strong message to the competition. For South Africa, another clash is on the horizon. The Boks will face France in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
Namibia swept aside
Namibia are currently experiencing a real nightmare at this Rugby World Cup. On day 3 of the group phase, the Welwitschias were crushed by the French machine in Group A. The final score: 96-0.The French XV scored 14 tries and 12 conversions. A true recital. For the Namibians, it was their third defeat of the tournament. And the scores are not flattering, having lost 52-8 to Italy and 71-3 to New Zealand before this 96-0 defeat.
The only consolation is that this was not Namibia's worst defeat in Rugby World Cup history.
In 2003, the Namibians lost 142-0 to Australia. The worst defeat in the history of the competition. What's more, in their 7th consecutive appearance at the World Cup, the Namibians have yet to win.
🏉🏉🏉 3 essais de plus avec les Bleus à ajouter à la collection de @PenaudD jeudi contre la Namibie ! 🔥
📹 @francetvsport #UnisPourUnRêve #XVdeFrance #FRAvNAM #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/e1z3EDDIiz
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) September 23, 2023
