Reaching the Rugby World Cup in 2003 was a massive achievement for a nation that had spent years in the shadow of South Africa’s historic accolades.
When the team landed in Australia for the World Cup, they were thrilled to showcase their talents on the global stage.
“For us, it was just to be at a World Cup and make our land, Namibia proud,” former lock Eben Izaacs told CNN Sport.
Although the tournament brought about several positive aspects, Namibia’s 2003 performance is marred by an undesirable record.
In a match against host Australia in Adelaide, Namibia was beaten 142-0, the largest winning margin in Rugby World Cup history.
Hard day at the office
Jurgens van Lill, a former Namibian international who held the no. 8 in the 2003 game against Australia, mentioned that he and his teammates approached the tournament positively.
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Two minutes into the match, the hope of achieving a favourable outcome for Namibia seemed far as Latham scored his first try of the afternoon.
“After the first 10 minutes, we knew it was going to be a hard day at the office,” Jurgens van Lill recalled.
At half-time, Australia had scored 69 points. Izaacs explained that Namibia grappled with the pace of the Australian team, causing them to be constantly moved around the field.
“We couldn’t cope with the pace of the game. Everything they did, they did with perfection and we couldn’t cope with the pace of the game, that was the problem,” Izaacs added.
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However, two decades later, they harbour no ill towards Australia. “I feel that you always field your best team. If you are on the winning end, why not put on a show?” Van Lill said.
While in some cultures, such a huge margin in scores is considered a poor show, Australia displayed no hesitation in scoring numerous tries against a struggling Namibia.
