Namibia lose in semis

NAMIBIA blew their chances of securing a final place at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy after they went down 29-24 to the United States in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday.

Two tries in the last eight minutes booked the USA’s place in the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 final, David Tameilau’s try securing the bonus point they needed to pip hosts Kenya to top spot in Pool A. The Junior Eagles looked to have blown their chance when they conceded two tries early in the second half as Namibia, fired up by coach Johan Diergaardt’s halftime words, caught them cold at the RFUEA Grounds. First replacement Johannes Tromp was handed a try on a plate with an easy interception to race clear and score, then Namibia went ahead for the first time in the match when flanker Waldo Schafer charged from halfway through some weak USA defence to score. A win for Namibia and they were guaranteed a final place so Kenya’s fans reverted to cheering for the USA as fullback Robert Johnson cut the deficit to 17-15 with a penalty. The Junior Eagles though knew they had to score four tries to finish top as with a simple win Kenya would go into the final on the head-to-head rule after their comeback 33-32 win on Wednesday. They pushed forward relentlessly, Zach Test dropping a simple pass that would surely have seen him score before Tai Enosa – like Test named in the USA’s senior training squad last week – stepped through the defence to score with eight minutes remaining. Within minutes Tameilau had charged over, silencing the Kenyan fans and sparking celebrations among the USA players and management. Namibia had the last say with a consolation try through Mahco Prinsloo, but they must now regroup for the fifth place playoff on Sunday. Namibia coach Johan Diergaardt said: ‘I feel that my boys were not hungry enough for a win and let the USA carry the day. They wanted it more than we did and that’s why we lost the game. We dominated in the lineouts and even turned over some of their rucks but unfortunately we lost.’ Namibia captain Robert Herridge said: ‘Indeed losing is an awful feeling but I believe we lost concentration. We took a lot of risks playing in our own half and I also missed two crucial kicks that could have probably won us the game. We now have to wait for the next fixture, know where we stand and take on who we meet.’ – Additional Report via the IRB website