New Zealand’s national rugby team secured a much-needed victory at the World Cup in France. The heavily ranked “All Blacks” won their second group game on Friday evening in Toulouse after a storming run with 71:3 (38:3) against outsiders Namibia.
The three-time world champion, who rested numerous regular players, made a total of eleven attempts. The New Zealanders secured the bonus point after just 25 minutes. Shortly before, however, the offensive spectacle of the clear favorite had faded into the background. Namibia’s Le Roux Malan seriously injured his leg in the 17th minute, the inside three-quarter had to be treated for minutes and then taken out of the stadium.
After the heavy criticism of the last few days, the Namibians with no chance were suitable as a grateful opponent. The New Zealanders, who are used to success, had recently suffered two historic defeats: The 13:27 defeat in the opening game against France was the first defeat in a World Cup preliminary round ever for the New Zealanders, and the 7:35 defeat against South Africa in the final preparation game was the highest in 131 years since Founding.
With the victory, New Zealand secured their first five points at this year’s World Cup. In Group A there are now duels against Italy and Uruguay. Defending champions South Africa or world number one Ireland could wait in a possible quarter-final. The first two teams in the four groups of five advance.