The Rugby Roller-Coaster

I am sure many of you will agree that the 2015 Rugby World Cup has been full of surprises as quite a few unexpected things have happened so far. It has certainly made for an emotional roller-coaster ride for many a rugby supporter.

Congratulations must go to Namibia’s pride, the Welwitschias, for making it to the World Cup. That in itself is an achievement and something to be proud of.

Despite the fact that they lost against the world’s number one ranked team, New Zealand’s All Blacks in their first 2015 World Cup match, I think I speak for many when I say it was an exciting match. We certainly didn’t go down without a fight and it is something that has earned the respect of fans worldwide.

Namibia gave them a tough time. That’s for sure. Those tries by the All Blacks did not come as easy as sports pundits predicted as the Welwitschias put up a strong and brave performance against the sleek All Blacks. A performance that made us all proud.

What a big moment for those players, facing off against giants of the rugby world!

That 58-14 end result felt victorious and Johan Deysel was my personal hero of the match. He made me proud to be a Namibian.

On a disappointing note though, I personally feel the Welwitschias should have won their match against Tonga, as well as against Georgia. I won’t even begin to comment on the technicalities which I believe had ample room for improvement, I’m no sports expert. National pride aside however, we could have done better in those two games.

South Africa’s 34-32 loss against the Japanese took fans by utter surprise. I could literally hear jaws drop to the floor across the world. What a complete shock! Disappointment overwhelmed Rugby lovers, and Springbok supporters alike. No one expected that.

The Japanese team coach, Eddie Jones, is surely out to make his mark. In 2003 he guided Australia in the 2003 final in Sydney and was an adviser to the 2007 Springboks when they won the World Cup. This man is on a roll.

That match turned out to be a wake-up call for the South Africans, which has proven fruitful at the end of the day.

How proud I was of my fellow Namibians when they stood up for their country after DStv’s SuperSport studio commentators had such crap to say about the Welwitschias.

Breyton Paulse, Rob Kempson and Tony Ndoro did not have it easy after their immature, unprofessional and quite bizarre comments about the Namibian team during and after their match against the All Blacks.

They made a joke of the Welwitschias, but fans were not laughing and refused to let them get away with it when they spoke out, in numbers, on social media which resulted in Breyton Paulse’s temporary removal from the commentator’s seat.

I am proud of the fact that Namibians raised their voices and in doing so actually influenced SuperSport producers. This is something you don’t see every day. I have always said that if there is one thing Namibians can learn from South Africans, it is the way they stand together, and affect change and decision-making at the highest levels.

I was so disappointed in Paulse. Namibians have supported him so dearly during his career. I am not sure he will have such a warm welcome when he next visits the country. Hopefully, next time he will think before he speaks.

Life is full of surprises, gents. The 2015 Rugby World Cup is testimony to that. Many assumed that the All Blacks were going to completely demolish the Welwitchias. Some even predicted scores of more than 100 to 0 but we put up a great performance and can look back on that match with pride.

We have come home with the trophy but the Welwitschias made us proud and created a few spectacular rugby moments along the way.

Priceless memories and experiences.

And who one earth would have expected Japan to defeat the South Africans? This was a big shocker and a reminder never to underestimate the underdog. They have passion and a desire to prove themselves driving them which can go very far, even against a proven track record.

‘Til next time, cheers!

– faolivier20@gmail.com; @faolivier20 on Twitter and The Gentleman’s Corner on Facebook

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