Namibia fail to qualify for 2027 Rugby World Cup, ending 27-year streak

It means the Welwitschias willl not participate at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia - their first missed finals since 1999.

The Pacific Islanders dominated the first half, striking through Jonathan Taumateine and wings Va'afauese Apelu Maliko and Latrell Ah-Kiong to lead 19â-0 at halftime. Full-back Jacob Umaga added two conversions as Samoa controlled territory and punished Namibia with accurate counter-kicking and superior execution.

Cliven Loubser kicked an early second-half penalty as Namibia lifted their intensity and used long kicking from Divan Rossouw, Helarius Kisting and Loubser to play higher upfield. But Samoa's back three returned everything with interest, and a well-worked maul saw flanker Alamanda Motuga score to extend the lead to 26â-3.

Namibia's defensive workâ”11 turnovers wonâ”kept them competitive late on, and a clever cross-kick from Johan Deysel sent Jay-Cee Nell over to make it 26â-8.

However, it is bitterly disappointing for the sub-Saharan nation, who will be ruing their 22-15 loss to Belgium - which shocked Peter Rossouw's team and the rugby world alike.

Meanwhile, Samoa and Belgium will now battle it out for the last ticket to Australia 2027 when they meet on Tuesday. 

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