By Working Class Rugger -
July 4th 2009 @ 12:10am
Get a Roar profile
Loading ...African RWC qualifying reaching its crescendo
And then there were two. Namibia and Tunisia have emerged as the leading African rugby nations in the current African Cup Rugby Championship, which is also doubling as a 2011 RWC Qualifier series.
Both Nations reached the final leg of African Cup last weekend, defeating Cote d’Ivore (Ivory Coast) and Uganda respectively over a home and away semi-final series.
Namibia:
The Africa 1 slot winner for the past three RWC’s had a surprisingly difficult encounter against a resilient Ivory Coast away in the Ivorian Capital with a surprising 13-all draw in the first leg, only to comfortably account for the same side a week later in Windhoek 54–14. Although it should be mentioned that the Ivory Coast were issued with two Red Cards and three Yellows.
Tunisia:
We have seen the Tunisian 7’s team pop up on the IRB 7’s circuit from time to time over the past few years, most recently at the 7’s World Cup in Dubai in March. Through these visits, observers have seen the possibilities that exist within Tunisian Rugby. And in this year’s Africa Cup, they have seemingly transplanted much of their progress in the 7’s form of the game into the 15 man version. In their first leg against Uganda in Kampala, the impressive Tunisians accounted for the home side 17–41, much to the large and vocal home crowd’s disgust, and backed it up last weekend with a convincing 38–13 win in Tunis.
Namibia and Tunisia will now fight it out for the Africa Cup and their ultimate goal of RWC 2011 Qualification.
If Namibia emerge victorious, it will be their fourth straight appearance. Conversely, if Tunisia emerge, then they will book their first trip to the games’ biggest stage.
Showing my bias, I wish the Tunisian team all the best. Namibia has been there before. It’s about time another emerging African Nations has a run.
Going to the Waratahs v Brumbies blockbuster at ANZ Stadium, Saturday 24 April? If you're keen to meet up with other Roarers, register you interest and we'll keep you informed on the place to meet. Register now.
Get Australia's best Rugby opinion emailed daily.
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(1)
Working Class Rugger said | July 5th 2009 @ 1:58am | Report comment
In Oceania Qualifiying PNG has just beaten the Cook Islands in Port Moresby by 29 -21. Details of the game are a little difficult to get at the moment. PNG have now won the Oceania Cup and will now face off against Samoa for a place in New Zealand 2011. Realistically Samoa should waltz home over PNG but good luck to them. Miracles do happen and here’s to a miracle happening.