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Uruguay captain admits unfortunate truth if they don't beat Namibia
By PA
Uruguay captain Andres Vilaseca says that victory is essential against Namibia to confirm his team’s progress at the Rugby World Cup.
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The clash in Lyon on Wednesday sees Uruguay seeking a first Pool A win following battling displays in defeat at the hands of France and Italy.
“Uruguay has only won three games in all the history of the Rugby World Cup, and this adds perhaps some pressure on our side,” Vilaseca said.
“We must accept this as there are a lot of people talking about the good performances we are having at this World Cup.
“We have received very nice messages, too, but the truth is that if we do not win against Namibia we wouldn’t confirm this great progress.”
While Uruguay have showed some real quality at times, Namibia have found it tough going, conceding 219 points in losing to Italy, New Zealand and France.
And their cause will not be helped by the absence of captain Johan Deysel, who was sent off following head-on-head contact with France captain Antoine Dupont in Namibia’s last game.
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It is the final fixture of Namibia’s World Cup campaign, and head coach Allister Coetzee said: “It is tough to play four matches in 18 days for any tier two country.
“When you don’t have a lot of depth in your squad it is really a challenge, but I must say our players have really stepped up.
“I call them warriors because it is really not easy when you have teams getting 12 days, 13 days, two weeks off until the next game.
“This is our fourth game, our final game, playing against a quality Uruguay side, and it will only be their third game.”
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Love Uruguay. What potential they have. Hope they win. Namibia have a longer road to take. But great rugby traditions.