So we should be talking about Namibia | Rugby World Cup 2023 Preview

[@tapiwanyakabau4058]

"Namibian rugby has always been about heart, but for so much of their recent history, it's been fighting for its soul". That bar touched my soul. Man, corruption holds back African sport so much.

[@Narapoia1]

Corruption holds back Africa so much.

[@tapiwanyakabau4058]

@@Narapoia1 for real for real

[@PrincePawn]

This one struck a chord for me, "once a team is no longer in contention we say they are playing only for pride but every single minute of every World Cup Namibia have been playing for pride"

[@matheusalves5160]

Fell you, bro. South America is almost on the same page.

[@dantakeoff]

Na, we just dont know how to hide corruption as well as the rest of the world@@Narapoia1

[@katabatjie-fv3xh]

Namibia mention 🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦!! you perfectly captured the spirit of Namibian sport! I’m always proud to see us represented on a world stage, coming from a talent pool of only ~2.5 million people (less than the population of the Western Cape) and with few resources for further development. Even though the World Cup last year had a disappointing outcome, we are all proud of our team. Thank you for your dive into the history of the sport, and for acknowledging the impact of our colonial history

[@corrautenbach3240]

Just a correction, in cricket, Namibia made it to an ODI World Cup once, but also made it to a T20 World Cup twice. In 2021 they famously qualified for the Super 12 round. If want to guess who they beat to make it, it was Ireland.

[@davidcordial8287]

Squidgy this was an absolutely class video Thanks for giving Namibia the attention and coverage they deserve!

[@rudivanaarde8952]

as a south african, I can truely say, thanks for the history lesson. Loved this video

[@damienoleary2666]

"Namibian rugby has always been about heart but for so much of its recent history that's mostly because it's been fighting for it's soul" you're a beautiful, eloquent man squidge and this video genuinely left a lump in my throat ❤

[@gailthomson7478]

Watching this as a South African living in Namibia. Nothing but love for my adopted country! The only time I battle to support the Springboks is when they play Namibia! And that try against the All Blacks in 2019. You should've seen the reaction in the pub in Windhoek. It was like winning the world cup itself.

[@michaelkershaw3302]

Thank you for highlighting Namibia. As a South African it is very sad that our Neighbours don't get more chance to play.

[@connornewcombe4319]

I'm really gonna miss that clip of Lea Seydoux opening the case containing the Webb Ellis trophy

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

I've been wondering who she is! Far more attractive than the myriad of WAG influencers who seem to dominate now...

[@rorybessell8280]

Ngl, I never really noticed there was someone with Kaino until I saw this comment

[@DoddyIshamel]

​@championthewonderhorse9733 I will just say blue is the warmest colour

[@overwelmingodds]

@@rorybessell8280Kaino is always the only person in the room for me too

[@neilsoncoombs4319]

How many times has the clip been used.... I remember laughing the moment I realised it appeared with each and every occurrence of the phrase "rugby world cup".

[@bencurtis476]

My great grandfather played flyhalf for South-West Africa (Namibia) way back in 1929. Living in South Africa I've always loved watching Namibia play in the World Cups, alway hoping for them to pick up that first win.

[@headshotbob1]

the work rate to put out all these top videos is underrated. Good job squidge very much appreciated!

[@machinwx]

This vid is just wonderful. I showed it to my Indian friend who watched 3 games of rugby in her life and now she feels like rooting for Namibia throughout the whole tournament. Thank you so much for what you do squidge

[@faniebotha8582]

Ah,so great to hear about your Indian friend. I'm a Namibian myself although I've been residing in RSA 🇿🇦for the past 4 years. I had a great rugby life in Namibia and mate I promise you,it's as hard as it comes! Obviously with FAR less players as I think we've got only 105 first league players to choose our National squad from and one third is FULLY amateur! It's NOTHING to travel a 1000 km on a weekend for one game and those trips I'll NEVER forget...Time we root out these bloody corrupt IDIOTS who are involved with corruption in the Namibian rugby union and lock them up for GOOD. Not as if we can afford nonsense like that being the "weakest"on paper of all the participating nations. I PROMISE you we're gonna hand out bloody noses and a sink a few big egos as always because EVERY Namibian on that field knows what it is to struggand survive against the odds! Boytjies,my heart is with you and I love you ALL. Go make us Biltong Boere proud as always. Go NAMIBIA. 🇳🇦❤️😎🏅💪🏻

[@chrismouton1985]

Namibian here. Thanks Squidge. You had me in tears. We are a small nation with not much money, but there is talent! I'll watch the boys live against Italy tomorrow and later on against Uruguay. Go Nam!

[@GRB-tj6uj]

It's even funnier when you consider that 'Plato' was a nickname ( obscure factoid: Plato's given name was 'Aristocles') meaning "broad shouldered" which the philosopher got because of his wrestling prowess as a youth. He also seems to have been kind of a jock. So not only is Plato a perfect name for a rugby player, but Chad would've been a perfect name for the "historical Plato". Chad Plato is truly the most awesome name in history

[@Ben_allan111]

Isn't plato from the greek plátôn (πλάτων), not 'aristocles' ? πλάτων mean 'broad shoulders, too

[@GRB-tj6uj]

@@Ben_allan111 Aristocles was his "real" name and Plato was his nickname

[@Ben_allan111]

@@GRB-tj6uj cheers

[@Its.officially_Jerlia]

I deeply fill like, we as Namibians should really be given a chance to trully shine bright .Like the land of brave we are.❤❤🇳🇦🇳🇦

[@alexandreseguret2196]

I just came back from the most intense rugby session I’ve ever had and I’m so glad to watch this video. Man I love this sport!

[@brandonjenniker8045]

This is why I love Squidge

[@nick_86]

Single handedly doing a better job of promoting the World cup than any other big organisation

[@andrewpoolman6303]

Update: Unfortunately Chad Plato has had to be withdrawn from the announced squad for the RWC. On August 26, just days after the touring squad was announced, Namibia played their final warm-up match against the Vodacom Bulls in Windhoek. During this match, Chad suffered a hamstring tear which will keep him out for 6-8 weeks. He has been replaced in the squad by Helarius Kisting (announced yesterday, 5 September) ... who is himself returning from a fractured arm just in time to be considered and approved as a late replacement. Kisting was the cover defender who tackled out TJ Perenara with basically the last move of the 2019 RWC match against the All Blacks - but Perenara acrobatically still managed to stretch out his arm to reach inside the corner flag and score the try to round off an excellent attacking move.

[@crazycjk]

A video on a team with 8 games in 4 years had no right to be this good. Shame about the corruption mentioned at the end vs so many other smaller rugby nations investing into their game. Also I foolishly had thought that MLR is basically pointless in a country where NFL will always dominate, not considering the positive impact of more pro spots for lower tier rugby nations, meaning more competitive international sides. Fantastic video Squidge, merci.

[@R.J._Lewis]

MLR is run like a total fly-by-night enterprise, but it is an absolute godsend for us to have actual, factual, dyed-in-the-wool professional rugby in our country. If they can get rid of the shysters and conmen and maintain the league in the meantime, it may even become something worth it's salt to the world and help put US Rugby into a spot where we don't shit the bed consistently.

[@danielterblanche7065]

Love it. Truly a beautiful country that deserves the spotlight. A must visit on every true naturist's list

[@huntereitel8305]

So excited to see these guys take on Italy on opening weekend. There will be fireworks

[@Fezz4400]

Great video! I try and never miss your uploads, but this one was definitely special. I have family in Namibia and shared the video with them, they will enjoy it was well!

[@fionagrant9324]

What a great video! You describe this little nation so magnificently! You just gave a voice to the ‘’Khoisan people’’ You deserve an Oscar!

[@alexpotts6520]

"A greater percentage desert than Ox Nche's typo-laden dinner order" is an absolutely masterful bit of writing.

[@The_Fresh_Mr_Breed]

Great video! Your effort level and commitment with these videos has been incredible.

[@BossofNova]

Namibia vs Italy was one of my favourite games from 2019. So excited to watch Namibia vs Uruguay

[@mvubu6823]

What a fantastic piece of work Squidge. One thing that I am left with is how small RUGBY is. 18th best team in the world can't get a game.

[@justranting4510]

Namibia is our baby brothers and we adore them and their never say die attitude, thank you for this video they really deserve the attention. If only their country and local companies would invest into the team.

[@littlenick2559]

I was at the Namibia v Georgia game in 2015. Genuinely one of the best rugby days out I've ever had. Still got my Namibian flag!

[@REL-420]

I know this has nothing to do with Namibia Rugby but the head Coach of The New England freejacks Scott Mathie used to teach and Coach at my school Durban High School (in South Africa) he is an absolute legend to us and we always said he was gonna do great things🔥🔥

[@just-dl]

This is so encouraging. I fell in love with Namibian Rugby in 2011. This is my fourth time of cheering them on in the World Cup!

[@samclimo2273]

Mate, love the video, Namibia actually have a very legitimate back-row in Hardwick, Booysen and Conradie, pretty silky halves and really nice outside backs, they won't be the lowest ranked team at this world cup and could see them tipping over Uruguay if everything falls right.

[@MikeH89]

Hadn't seen their squad but seeing the team they've put out I was really glad to see Hardwick and Rossouw, guys with a bit of super rugby experience, in the team. Hopefully they'll be able to set out their stall.

[@helenlange34]

These players deserve much more. Most of them had full-time jobs and often funded their own travel to RWC. Imagine that. They are pretty amazing if you take into account the lack of support. I watch all of their games in the hope of that first win. But must confess . . I don't watch their game against The All Blacks. My heart can't handle it. I will again hope for their first win this RWC. Go Welwitschias

[@JohanVenter-r3k]

I'm Namibian this was an great program. Thanks 😊 we are suppose to be 15 in the world and win atleast 2 games in te world Cup.

[@dallorto194]

I would love to see a Nambian team in the Currie Cup to help them improve, much like the Puma's having a team in Super Rugby helped the Argentian national side.

[@saoirsedeltufo7436]

This is absolutely excellent Squidge, you've outdone yourself

[@theftparrot5750]

I know they won't but Namabia are the world champs in my hearts

[@BigDonkEnergy]

In my heart Ireland make it past the quarter finals!

[@theftparrot5750]

@@BigDonkEnergy Even less likely

[@ShepherdLamrani]

@@theftparrot5750😭😂

[@christiaan2182]

I know it's not their responsibility, however SRU (South Africa) haven't done enough for Namibian rugby. We have the resources and funding, we have the teams and players. Sad to see

[@Drchips1]

the national teams cricket captain was also their rugby captain in the 90s

[@martynpage1794]

You never fail squidge! Great presentation.

[@benstofberg7698]

Namibia, Land of the Brave. Literally the name of our national anthem.

[@Dor150]

I do like the point that the Namibian team is fighting against the odds, but hell there's no competition in Africa at all, Africa has been totally abandoned 15s wise.

[@christiaan2182]

Very true, only other country is Zim and Zim is terrible. Kenya just can't see to get it right with 15s. Honestly feel like SA can do more for the other countries in Africa

[@Dor150]

@@christiaan2182 SA has been helping a bit but maybe too late. Teams like Zimbabwe and Kenya and even Madagascar where rugby is actually huge need game time and the chance.

[@renebronkhorst5487]

Greetings from Namibia 🇳🇦

[@willemhugo920]

Not sure about this year, but in the past Namibia fielded sides where playing rugby was their second job.They just want to represent their country...then return to their day jobs. Much respect .

[@kehanvanvuuren7718]

Its still the case for most of them, clockout at 5 clocking for rugby few min later

[@uli169]

So sad that they have to suffer through such corruption. They could genuinely be an even greater team if they only got more support. Greedy politicians ruin everything. Nothing but support for my neighbouring country🇳🇦

[@iffracem]

Not just politicians, greed is everywhere... but yeah.. they're probably the worst

[@iteamy]

fuck sake, I'm nearly I'm tears at that one. Top work...maybe the best of the bunch

[@nickcharnley19]

All power to you and the team, I feel informed and inspired, you are bringers of joy😀

[@cormacmccoy1]

SERIOUSLY STONKING AND AMAZING WORK LADS!!!! Youse are doing such an amazing job

[@CreativeEscape85]

Amazing, thanks!

[@batiannolte]

Namibia Land of the brave!!!!!! Trank you gor the Video

[@jivekiwi]

I think my favourite underdog team is just going to be whoever the last Squidge team vid is on. He makes me feel like all the teams are full of legendary players from countries with a rich history that are all on the cusp of something great! 32 hours... Hurry up!!

[@randomlyfactual1943]

I am the proud South African cousin of a Namibian 🇳🇦

[@danydvorsky]

Chad Plato has unfortunately been withdrawn from the RWC roster due to not being able to recover from a torn hamstring. I was really looking forward to him playing damn..

[@namibianrugby1197]

Bit late to the party but I just wanted to say, that this video was a true masterclass and perfectly describes the sprit of Namibian Rugb

[@greatleapforwards]

The coolest thing about Namibia is when their one prop was retiring and kicked a final conversation

[@rhysmorris5744]

Maybe my favourite preview yet, you're the goat man

[@allaboutGE]

squidge! Thank you for this video, it made my heart sing! If at all you’re in marseille during this tournament, please let me take you out for a drink

[@matthewbazeley2984]

You do great things for rugby squidge. Good luck Nambia!

[@branded2kil]

I saw Namibia vs Georgia at the RWC 2003 and they could have won that game. They were ranked ahead of Georgia but the Aussie crowd was barracking for Georgia on account of the fact Aussies usually support the underdogs

[@douglasherron7534]

Great video Squidge! Small correction to pronunciation - it's "Vindhook", not "Windhoyk" (@12:10).

[@fintanlawton9502]

Great vid Squidge thank you. What a great story of the triumph of Rugby over adversity.

[@dawiethomas]

You are a gentleman and a scholar @squidge and I thank you.

[@alexwagner6717]

Honestly this is a form of poetry. Got me feeling patriotic for my countries neighbour.

[@NgariiT]

This is brilliant!! Thank you.

[@MMN218.]

The country we all love dearly. Welwitchias you guys go full out now.

[@StarLeo_]

Richard hardwick has been in great form in super rugby for the rebels this year, a great person to join their squad.

[@mauritzvonzijl4220]

Excellent video, man!

[@anthonyafonso3599]

We are a big County with a small population. Some really good people live here

[@leonerasmus3996]

Nothing but love for this video. Expect Tiaan Swanepoel to set a new record for the longest penalty in an international.

[@ciarabarden-margetts2258]

Squidge - amazing video as always.

[@middleearthmatt8595]

I think the biggest thing going against Namibian Rugby these days is their unfortunate pool placement with the AB's since 2015. 😂 We need a tier 2 World Cup. 👌

[@YsrMahmoodVlogs]

Well done, keep up the good work

[@blessedsimasiku930]

This was such a great video.

[@daryllvries9611]

Thank you very much for this video

[@reclusiarchnotrobsimmons]

Clive Woodward was in touch 😂. Top shelf Squidge.

[@rossscott4759]

Every ball he kicked landed in WindHoyyyyk 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nicholaslead6016]

Fabulous!

[@ohohohoh9279]

Excellent vidéo really informative thanks ! Just we say La tour Eiffel, it s a big girl 😉

[@dyllan6303]

"Clive woodward was in touch" 😂 great pun!

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

I hope Namibia produce something magical at this world cup! We need another good African nation! Also, I'm sorry for this, it's a nitpick, but Windhoek is pronounced "Vint-Hook" 😊

[@purework5372]

Divan Rossouw has been nothing but class since he won the starting fullback position

[@darren806]

Alright lets see what Namibia are made of

[@charlottescott7150]

I have just had an amazing trip around Namibia and read up about the dreadful history. Why did the Global North think they could just go in and slaughter people indiscriminately and steal all their assets? We are disgusting. Still can't believe that Namibia has a rugby team and the RWC!

[@williambotha5864]

Thank you for that Squidge. Namibia are now my second team, you just forced them into the nest ahead of Japan...

[@libossmavia]

I hate these videos. As an Australian with a time difference that sees games happening in the wee hours of the morning, I had written off a number of matches (Tier 3 teams) so that I would actually get some sleep for the next few weekends. However, such is the ability of Squidge to hype a minnow, I come out of each one something like, "ah shit...guess I gotta watch Namibia's games now too".

[@mineovernutter]

can you imagine if namibia were in pool C with fiji and georgia, and also some smaller tier 2 teams. They would be in with a shout of making it out!

[@Ivan-p7h9e]

Namibia’s rugby team is actually far better than everyone thinks. The total population of Namibia is around 2.5 million people only with a tiny minority who play rugby. None of the players there are career players and they have day jobs as you can’t make a living playing rugby there full time. Plus with the extremely limited amount of games they play they still qualify for the world cup every time.

[@TUYachtDelivery]

Thank you squidge

[@lyznav9439]

Can you send a link to that analysis with the players' performance? Looks like a multivariate plot (e.g. PCA).

[@ColinBurner7742]

This aged like milk

[@francismyers4556]

Well done Squidge!

[@michelefavaretto627]

It is simply not fair that certain national teams play so little...they'll never get better this way!

[@richardmatatahi4563]

Good luck Namibia all the Best

[@jasonweldon3706]

That was a great video. Will be watching Namibia and hoping for some dazling performances

[@kaybeekaybee2874]

Land of the Brave aka Namibia 🇳🇦❤

[@matthill4686]

A thousand pounds?! That's absurd 16:50 Love this obscure reference to a random UK kids TV show that didn't even run for very long 😂

[@SionTJobbins]

An Afrikaans-speaking team would be awesome, most SA and Namibia player (whatever their skin colour) speak Afrikaans. Hope Namibia do well, would be great to have strong African teams other than SA.

[@namibianrugby1197]

Hell Yeah!!

[@eoinperry2566]

Could someone explain what's going on in that graph? It looks to me like Chad Plato had the highest work per 80 but actually the lowest impact per involvement score?