U20s kept winless as Belgium reaches final
Belgium’s unbeaten Under-20 team beat Namibia U20 by 47-22 (halftime 26-15) in their last pool B fixture at the World Rugby U20 Challenger tournament in Santiago, Chile, on Monday.
In the first meeting between the countries at U20 level, the Europeans scored seven tries against three for Namibia (fly-half William Beukes, hooker Jayvin du Plessis and scrumhalf Dominique Isaacs), while Beukes added two conversions and a penalty.
In various areas the Namibians showed marginal improvement compared to their first two matches in Chile, while some 50-50 calls by the referee contributed to the field positions from which tries were scored against them.
However, the Belgians’ unbeaten streak were never in doubt as they maintained control of the set pieces. Surprisingly, the Belgians committed at least three knock-ons off kick-offs by Namibia.
Jano Erasmus, in a surprise move from his regular inside centre position for Moria Bere and Namibia U20, delivered an outstanding work rate on attack and defence after being selected on the flank.
William Beukes, a late inclusion on the tour when Waldre Kotze was ruled out through injury, played the full 80 minutes at flyhalf, with Mc-Rein van Wyk as an unused substitute.
Outside centre Jayden Jansen was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knockdown in the first half.
Namibia, who previously lost to Canada (6-95) and Portugal (12-67), finished last of the four teams in pool B.
Coaches Johan Zaayman and Jood Opperman’s side will conclude their tournament against the other winless team from pool A – Hong Kong China – in the playoff for seventh position on Saturday.
Belgium remain unbeaten with earlier wins over Canada and Portugal and will take their place in the cup final on Saturday against the hosts Chile.
• Namibia’s team against Belgium were:
15 Keanan Diergaardt, 14 Ethan Sinden, 13 Jayden Jansen, 12 Janco Bredenhann, 11 Soobramoney Sammy, 10 William Beukes, 9 Dominique Isaacs, 8 Roché Brand, 7 Tjeripo Karuhumba (captain), 6 Jano Erasmus, 5 Romario Hoeseb, 4 Isaiah Kazondovi, 3 Charlton Binga, 2 Jayvin du Plessis, 1 Tauno Hamukoto. Bench: Eduardo Dunn, Goddard Husselmann, Daniel du Toit, Connor Nel, Kobus Mouton, Nzola-Menza Nkunku, Damian Klein, Mc-Rein van Wyk.
MONDAY’s results
Romania 29-22 Hong Kong China
Portugal 28-26 Canada
Belgium 47-22 Namibia
Chile 80-17 Brazil
FIXTURES for Saturday 12 October
Seventh-place playoff: Namibia v Hong Kong China (15:00 Namibian time)
Fifth-place playoff: Canada v Brazil (18:00 Namibian time)
Bronze final: Portugal v Romania (21:00 Namibian time)
CUP FINAL: Chile v Belgium (01:00 Sunday, Namibian time)
