South Africa’s electric wing Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries as they eased to a nine-try 57-3 win over neighbours Namibia, but it was a far from polished performance in their Rugby World Cup Pool B clash at the City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Billed the African Derby, there was only ever going to be one winner despite what Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus termed his fringe selection, and minnows Namibia simply could not cope with the physicality of the South Africans.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi (two), loose-forwards Francois Louw, Schalk Brits and Siya Kolisi, full-back Warrick Gelant and centre Lukhanyo Am also crossed for tries, but there was a lack of cohesion and, at times, quality to the Bok play that will be a worry for Erasmus.
They are next in action on Friday against Italy in a crucial match in Fukuroi City that should decide second place in the pool, while Namibia face the even more daunting prospect of meeting New Zealand in Tokyo on October 6.
Meanwhile, Japan’s players vowed to continue making headlines after their stunning 19-12 win over Ireland at the Rugby World Cup on Saturday.
The Pool A victory puts the host nation in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages after the Brave Blossoms wrestled their way back from an early deficit to the delight of the 47 813 partisan crowd at Shizuoka Stadium.
“Thank you for today!” Japan hooker Shota Horie said to the crowd after being named man of the match. “Thanks to your cheers, I was able to run to the last centimeter, the last millimeter.
“The tournament still continues, let’s fight calmly and let’s fight together. Thank you for today!”
Coach Jamie Joseph said he hoped the stunning victory, which matched the upset of twice world champions South Africa at the last World Cup in 2015, would make the country proud.
