Rugby World Cup: Merciless Wales run riot over Namibia

Welsh prop Gethin Jenkins charges through the Namibian defence on his way to the tryline. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Namibia are the first team to be eliminated from the Rugby World Cup after bravely falling to Wales in their final Pool D match at Stadium Taranaki tonight.

The cool and clinical Welsh ran in 12 tries and generally displayed patience and composure from whistle to whistle, though their forwards at times showed a lack of discipline in the scrum. The backs cut through the Namibians with ruthless efficiency, but their greatest successes only came after a long dry spell brought on by world-class defence.

Wales took the lead in the third minute after referee Steve Walsh penalised Namibia for a scrum infringement. First-five Stephen Jones kicked the penalty to put his international points tally over the 900 mark.

He also stepped clear of joint record-holder Gareth Thomas to become Wales' most-capped test player of all time, with 101.

His side led 22-0 after 17 minutes, boosted by tries from wingers Scott Williams and Aled Brew, and No. 8 Toby Faletau, but were held scoreless for the rest of the half with a tournament bonus point hanging just out of reach. The Welsh were continually denied by a determined Namibian team whose confidence in attack and sternness in defence continued to grow.

Namibia opened the second half with new resolve, but blew a scoring chance in the 43rd minute. Wales went on an immediate counterattack, only to ruin their own opportunity at the other end. However the momentum gained would carry Wales through and after some resistance, the points began to flow as the Namibians began to tire.

Williams delivered that desired bonus point in the 46th minute after powering through five defenders and finishing with a swan dive to score his second try of three, putting a dampener on the revved-up Namibians.

121kg prop Gethin Jenkins scored the try of the night with a 45m run, charging through tacklers and selling a quick dummy on his way to the line and a five-pointer that appeared to break Namibia's resolve. A minute later, a Welsh pass was intercepted by standout performer Nico Esterhuyse. The 205cm lock bolted upfield and drew in two defenders before offloading to lock Heinz Koll, who pinned his ears back and beat a gang of Welsh chasers to score his second try of the tournament.

First-five Theuns Kotze added the extras and in doing so set a new international points-scoring record for Namibia.

That was enough for Wales, who quickly turned up the pressure and ran in three tries in five minutes in what was a merciless display of attacking rugby.

Namibian flanker Tinus Du Plessis was named man of the match but any member of his team's forward pack could have earned the honour, including skipper and opposite flanker Jacques Burger.

After the match, Burger thanked fans for their support and wished the All Blacks well in their pursuit of the Webb Ellis Cup.

Wales are second-placed in Pool D with two wins and a game still to play against Fiji.

WALES 81 (G Jenkins, A Jones, T Faletau, A Brew, S Williams (3), J Davies, L Byrne, L Williams, G North (2) tries; S Jones (6), R Priestland (3) conversions; S Jones penalty) def. NAMIBIA 7 (H Koll try; T Kotze conversion)

Halftime: Wales 22 - Namibia 0