Namibia crush UAE 86‑29 to stay in the hunt for Rugby World Cup 2027
Namibia kept their streak of appearing at every men’s Rugby World Cup since 1999 alive with a resounding 86‑29 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Saturday’s Asia–Africa play‑off at Mandela National Stadium, Kampala. The result books the Welwitschias’ ticket to November’s four‑team Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai, where they will face Belgium and two yet‑to‑be‑decided opponents for the last place at France 2027.
How the match unfolded
Bright Emirati start
– Number 8 Emosi Vecanaua sliced through after just three minutes, and fly‑half Max Johnson converted to hand UAE an early 7‑0 lead. A Johnson penalty stretched the margin to 10‑5 moments later.
Namibian response – Jurgen Meyer’s corner try sparked a relentless Namibian onslaught. By half‑time Richard Hardwick’s power running and a Torsten van Jaarsveld hat‑trick had swung the scoreboard to 39‑22, despite a spirited double‑strike from the Gulf side.
Second‑half rout – With UAE reduced to 14 men early in the second period, replacement Aston Mukwilongo darted over before Danie van der Merwe, Armand Combrink, Max Katjijeko and others piled on further tries. In total Namibia crossed the whitewash 13 times, demonstrating pace out wide and a maul that UAE simply could not contain.
One step from France 2027 –
The win propels Namibia into the repechage tournament in Dubai this November. The round‑robin event will also feature Belgium plus two teams emerging from the Americas and Asia–Pacific pathways; the pool winner claims the final spot at the 2027 finals.
Coach’s verdict – Head coach Jacques Burger praised his injury‑hit squad but warned they “can be so much better” with more composure and cleaner discipline before November’s last‑chance qualifier.
Key take‑aways for your blog readers
Scoreline: Namibia 86 – UAE 29
Venue & Date: Mandela National Stadium, Kampala – 26 July 2025
Star performers: Torsten van Jaarsveld (3 tries), Richard Hardwick (2), Aston Mukwilongo & Danie van der Merwe (2 each)
Next stop: Final Qualification Tournament, Dubai, November 2025 – winner advances to Rugby World Cup 2027