Manu Sāmoa’s win over Namibia puts them in control ahead of their Belgium RWC qualifier

Manu Sāmoa’s impressive performance against Namibia has put them firmly in control of their Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign, easing the pressure ahead of their final showdown with second-placed Belgium.

The four-tries-to-one win not only delivered back-to-back victories but secured a crucial bonus point - leaving Sāmoa needing just a draw against the Belgians to lock in their Rugby World Cup spot.

Manu Sāmoa captain Theo McFarland says the team’s growing cohesion is the biggest takeaway from their 26-8 result over Namibia in Dubai early on Friday.

With two wins from two matches, the Manu remain top of the qualification ladder, a position that keeps them in control of their path to the RWC in Australia in 2027 after dispatching the Africans in a composed, dominant performance.

Sāmoa’s disciplined showing against Namibia signalled a side settling into form at the business end of the RWC qualifying series.

As the Manu turn their attention to Belgium next week, their victory over Namibia has reinforced the belief that this group has the balance and depth to finish the qualifications unbeaten.

Manu Sāmoa winger Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong running in to score. Photo/Facebook

McFarland led from the front and told a post-match interview that he was proud of how the team translated their training into their game plan.

“Very happy to get the win tonight, we’re happy to get the result. Proud of the efforts from the boys. We had a lot of confidence from last week's game and we had a good week.

“I thought everything we did in the week was what we did here on the field today and happy to get the result.”

With a 19-0 half-time lead, the three tries scored showed Sāmoa’s clinical teamwork.

Manu Sāmoa prop Tietie Tuimauga. Photo/Facebook

The opening try came off the work of fullback Jacob Umaga, who executed a perfect double pump offload to team-mate Lalomilo Lalomilo, who stormed down the line before passing to halfback Jonathan Taumateine for the points.

Manu’s forwards dominated in attack, winning one-on-one tackles and competing at the rucks to set strong ball position. Their offloading game was also impressive.

Sāmoa’s second try came from another well-executed set of hands that cleared the ruck from the left side. After the ball passed through the hands of four players, Umaga offloaded to winger Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong, who finished the move successfully.

Despite the score, Namibia posted challenges for Manu, making it difficult for them to attack with fluidity.

Sāmoa were held up at their own line until winger Va'afauese Apelu Maliko picked the ball and scored their third try.

Namibia’s defensive efforts prevented more tries as they defended strongly, disrupting Sāmoa’s attacking flow.

From left: Faletoi Peni and Wian Conradie after the game. Photo/Facebook

Namibia captain Louis van der Westhuizen led from the front, turning over ball multiple times at the ruck. He later told the media that despite the loss, he was proud of his team's effort, saying that they are heading in the right direction during their rebuilding phase.

“I’m very proud of the Namibian boys, and the fight they showed. Obviously coming off a bad loss last weekend, this is the type of fight we want and this is the first step to our rebuilding phase,” Van Der Westhuizen says.

While their performance against Belgium was disappointing, there was progress from both sides.

Manu’s bonus point try came from an impressive lineout drive with a score by Alamanda Motuga. But Namibia’s patience paid off when centre Johan Deysel saw space not far out from their line and chipped through a perfectly-waited kick that sat up for team mate Jay-Cee Nel to run in and score in the 69th minute.

Coach Lemalu was able to use his whole bench, which is crucial for resting players as they head into their final match of the tournament.

Manu Sāmoa sit first in the overall standings and will play Belgium next Wednesday at 4.30am (NZT). A win against Belgium would all but secure their spot for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Brazil and Namibia will meet and chase their first win on Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled at 2am (NZT). For more information on fixtures and results, click here.