The Namibia National Rugby Team, the Welwitschias, might have exited the Rugby World Cup at the Pool stages again, but the players still maintain that it was an experience they will savor for years to come. It was Namibia's sixth World Cup appearance, but having been paired with two of world rugby's giants - New Zealand and South Africa - in one pool was always going to be a tough task. The team travelled with come new faces as well and upon their return , NBC Sport caught up with debutant Prince !Gaoseb who played an outstanding match against defending champions New Zealand. "Facing the best teams in the world, you just have to go up there give it all you got and stick to the game plan and stick to what you guys did throughout the whole week. I think that's what pulled us, help us manage half of the game and second half the whole thing just kicked in. Fatigue kick in and we were just not able to keep up with them at the level they playing" Gaoseb said. Another debutant was Chad Plato who scored his world debut try against Italy and also describe the experience as unbelievable. "It's still unbelievable to me, going out at the city of Tokyo playing against the Springboks, playing against Italy. It's something you can't explain it's every young boys dream to go out there and do that and play for your nation, sing the national anthem with full pride and glory and just going out and playing for your country and representing the eagle on your chest" Plato said. The fans played their part by supporting the boys during their world cup campaign and Damian Stevens who was also part of the Welwitschias had nothing but praise for them . "Thanks so much for everyone that supported us throughout this world cup campaign even before the world cup started and it's really nice to get back home and see all the people here at the airport, because we never get this and just to know that the country is behind us and this will just also give us motivation to work harder for the next four years" Steven's said. The players will now go on a well-deserved break before they go back to playing club rugby.
Published 5 years ago