TOYOTA CITY, Japan — South Africa’s electric wing Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries but the Springboks’ performance was far from polished as they eased to a nine-try 57-3 win over southern African neighbours Namibia in their Rugby World Cup Pool B clash at City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Billed the ‘African Derby’, there was only ever going to be one winner despite what Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus termed his ‘fringe’ selection, and minnows Namibia simply could not cope with the physicality of the South Africans.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi (two), loose forwards Francois Louw, Schalk Brits and Siya Kolisi, fullback Warrick Gelant and centre Lukhanyo Am also crossed for tries, but there was a lack of cohesion and, at times, quality to the Boks play that will be a worry for Erasmus.
They are next in action on Friday against Italy in a crucial match in Fukuroi City that should decide second place in the pool, while Namibia face the even more daunting prospect of New Zealand in Tokyo on Oct. 6.