What a start for Belgium, it was a statement win — for Namibia a tough result in a moment of pressure. But they grew into the game and will be better for this game.
de Clercq J. (2'), Berger J. (27'), Decubber J. (63')
Tries
Luttig J. (79'), Deysel J. (83')
Remue M. (3', 28')
Conversions
Loubser C. (80')
Remue M. (17')
Penalties
van de Berg A. (37')
What a start for Belgium, it was a statement win — for Namibia a tough result in a moment of pressure. But they grew into the game and will be better for this game.
Belgium came out with purpose. From kickoff they forced early mistakes from Namibia and quickly asserted their dominance in possession and territory.
Belgium had built a platform and scored inside 2 minutes through prop Jean-Baptiste Declercq from close range.
They continued to press: a lineout steal, breakdown turnovers, and steady kicker Matias Remue making the most of opportunities including a penalty from 40 m.
At halftime Belgium held a 17-3 lead.
Namibia, meanwhile, found themselves off the pace early: struggling to find continuity, beaten to the breakdown and lacking territorial control. But the outcome was still far from decided — a 14-point margin still leaves room for a second-half comeback.
The second half began with Namibia trying to apply pressure; but getting a yellow card in the 49th minute. Belgium had a yellow card in the 51st minute to level it out but caused some tense moments as Namibia probed.
Belgium, however, held firm. A well-worked try by captain Jean-Maurice Decubber extended their lead and re-established control. After Namibia had another player in the bin.
Late in the game Namibia managed to cross twice — through Johan Deysel and Johan Luttig — giving them a losing bonus point but too little too late. Belgium let their discipline slip with another yellow card in the 78th minute, allowing Namibia to make the pressure pay late on with the 2 tries. If it was a bit earlier, Namibia could have closed the gap further.
Belgium
Excellent start: Those first 20 minutes were decisive in establishing territory and dominance.
Breakdown work & set-piece: The turnovers and lineout steals prevented Namibia from mounting momentum.
Controlled kicking and composure under pressure.
Growth mindset: This win suggests Belgium are increasingly competitive on the Tier 2 stage.
Namibia
Resilience shown: The late tries show character and fight.
However, poor start cost them: Falling behind early forced them into a chase.
Discipline / execution: Namibia’s errors in possession and discipline (including yellow cards) hampered their comeback chances.
The physicality and tempo of Belgium’s start exposed areas Namibia need to tighten for the qualification fight.
For Belgium, this victory puts them in a stronger position in the Final Qualification Tournament, reinforcing their credentials as a rising side.
For Namibia, while this is a setback, the final score and attitude display potential; what matters now is how quickly they learn and bounce back. The road to a World Cup berth demands consistency and seizing opportunities.
Matias Remue (Belgium) – his attacking sparks, kicking reliability and overall influence made a decisive difference.
A memorable match for both sets of supporters: Belgium delivered a breakthrough performance, Namibia proved tough but got caught at the wrong time. For followers of grassroots and Tier 2/3 internationals alike, this was rugby at its most meaningful — high-stakes, high-effort, and full of real consequences.
