The All Blacks followed the script to a tee yesterday, with their 71-3 demolition of Namibia in Toulouse.
It was an 11 try performance from New Zealand, with half-backs Damien McKenzie and Cam Roigard running riot throughout.
Unfortunately, the entertaining fixture was marred by a devastating injury to Namibia's Le Roux Malan, who dislocated and fractured his ankle during a first-half tackle attempt, which lead to a long delay in the game.
After the match, the All Blacks were praised for their response as they gifted a signed jersey to the stricken player.
Classy Gesture From All Blacks After Horror Namibia Injury At Rugby World Cup
🇳🇦 Allister Coetzee: "Namibia is a country with a population of 2.6 million... What they have achieved up until [qualify for 7 RWCs] is amazing."#RWC2023 #NAM #NZLvNAM pic.twitter.com/IUFZ8I804Y
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 15, 2023
Our thoughts are with Namibian centre Le Roux Malan. Wishing him all the best with his recovery.#RWC2023
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 15, 2023
That’s a class touch
— Ugo Monye (@ugomonye) September 16, 2023
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”It was a very successful operation, according to the doctor," said Namibia coach Allister Coetzee on Malan's operation.
"I think he’s here until Monday or Tuesday, and then he’ll fly out.
“What was actually very good, and I hope it will help in a way, is the gesture from the All Blacks to hand him a signed jersey, a No 12 jersey signed by the whole team.
“It says a lot about the sportsmanship of this World Cup. It’s a good gesture from the All Blacks.
“That is not just saying the ethos and the culture and the values of rugby, but actually living and feeling it. That to me is unbelievable of the All Blacks to do something like that.”
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