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Namibia qualify for the Rugby World Cup 'Pool of Death'
By Online Editors
Namibia have qualified for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan after defeating Kenya 53-28 in Windhoek to win the Rugby Africa Gold Cup on Saturday.
Namibia join world champions New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and the Repechage winner in Pool B for what will be their sixth-successive tournament.
Kenya's dream of qualifying for their first Rugby World Cup is not over, but they now face the prospect of taking on Canada, Hong Kong and Germany in November's round-robin Repechage competition in Marseille for the final place.
Kenya had only beaten Namibia twice in 10 matches with their last victory coming in 2016, but driven by an opportunity to make history, the team ranked 28th in the World Rugby rankings played their part in a highly-entertaining and high-scoring match.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: "Congratulations to Namibia on winning the Rugby Africa Gold Cup to secure a place at Rugby World Cup 2019. They were impressive throughout the competition and are deserved champions.
"We look forward to welcoming the Namibia team and their fans to Japan for what promises to be a very special and ground-breaking Rugby World Cup - the first in Asia.
"The qualification process is almost over, but Kenya's journey continues as they deservedly secure a place in November's Repechage in Marseille, and I would like to wish them, Canada, Hong Kong and Germany all the best for what promises to be an exciting tournament."
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Latest Comments
"You realise no one is going to gain entry through performance in the champions cup right? When was the last time a team was good enough to reach the best four in europe but not in their own league?"
last season. Harlequins. In 2023 Exeter. In 2022 la Rochelle and Racing 92. I can't be bothered going back further but I think I've made my point!
"Otherwise, like I've already said, you're first likely to be looking at Challenge, getting a few their, then back to Champions quarters I'd imagine."
I'm quite confused by how you're framing this. For a 20 team champions cup I'd have 4 teams qualify from the previous years champions cup, and 4 from the previous years challenge cup. For a 16 team champions cup I'd have 3 teams qualify from the previous years champions cup, and 1 from the previous years challenge cup.
"You might find it more palatable if you flip the sequence in CC qualifcation"
I'd find it a lot less palatable, hence why I didn't suggest it!
Go to commentsNa. Still here. She knows she's on to a good thing :).
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