After the highly-anticipated kickoff at Stade de France, where hosts France faced off against the formidable three-time champions New Zealand, the Rugby World Cup fever now shifts eastwards to the vibrant city of Saint-Étienne. Here, Italy and Namibia are set to clash for the second time in the history of the tournament.
Their previous encounter took place during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, mirroring the circumstances of today's showdown in France. The Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka served as the battleground for both teams' inaugural matches in the Land of the Rising Sun. Back then, amidst the Japanese rain, Italy emerged victorious at the oldest rugby-dedicated stadium in the country. However, it was Namibia, affectionately known as the Welwitschias, who captured the hearts of spectators with their remarkable display of courage and determination.
In their sole prior meeting in the RWC 2019 Pool B clash in Higashiosaka, these two sides combined to produce an exhilarating ten tries. Italy, representing the Six Nations, managed to claim seven of those tries in the relentless downpour. Yet, it was Namibia's unwavering determination that resonated with fans, ultimately earning them admiration.
Remarkably, Namibia left an indelible mark on that match by scoring both the opening and closing tries, much to the delight of the 20,000-plus spectators who witnessed a thrilling contest that concluded with a scoreline of 47-22. As the rugby world eagerly awaits their rematch in Saint-Étienne, one can't help but wonder if Namibia will once again defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on this year's Rugby World Cup.
