A proper dogfight. Two teams that delivered good, heavy blows against each other, with us coming out on top. We weren’t as daring as we were in past games, as we can be more aggressive and relentless.
We felt happy, as it was a big game and we were expecting Namibia to give their all. They didn’t let us breathe the whole game, and those final ten minutes were profoundly challenging as they tried to mount a comeback. We held together and won, but we weren’t satisfied with our performance, as we conceded far too many penalties and were undisciplined. We can’t do the same when facing Brazil and Samoa.
The most important thing is that we won, and that’s a positive aspect from our first game of the Final Qualification Tournament. Our defence was good as well, as we kept Namibia from scoring in the first half, making good tackles and working well in the breakdown.
While we want to improve massively for our next game, we must feel happy with how we started against Namibia, dominating those first 20 minutes. But the team acknowledged that our discipline was slipping and that we needed to stop conceding so many penalties. At times, we were our biggest enemies. But there were great moments of our victory over Belgium, like Jean-Baptiste de Clercq’s try. He was simply unstoppable in that carry, dragging two tacklers with him until he reached the try area. It lit up the team and the game! We felt at that moment, ‘Yeah, we can beat them! We can be winners tonight’.
With Brazil next, we must also fix our lineouts, as we squandered some good scoring chances in the opening game. I wasn’t happy with my performance until I watched it again, as I felt I could’ve done much better in some areas. I feel I could’ve been a bit more active rather than waiting around and reacting after the play had started, etc. I know I can give this team much more, and I will make sure to show it against Brazil!
The scrum was tight, and it was a fierce battle between two packs who wanted to gain momentum from the set-piece. Namibia did their homework, as they tried to break us apart in most scrums, but we were up to the challenge for most of the game. It will be interesting to see how Brazil and Samoa approach our scrum, as they have heavier packs, but we are in better shape.
Credit: Christopher Pike - World Rugby/World Rugby
I am looking forward to those brutal but exciting battles.
Brazil has many good qualities, especially its South American passion for never giving up and for not admitting defeat. I think they are like us—they don’t care about what other people think or expect from them; they are only looking to give their max and won’t stop until the game ends. It will be a great match, and we have to be on our best behaviour. If we allow a player like Theo Bastardie to run with space, we might concede points.
Now, let me also talk about something big for us. We weren’t expecting so many French-Belgian fans there, waiting for us and supporting us throughout the game. It was inspiring to have them there. They were like fifty or sixty there, but they shouted so loud it seemed they were in the hundreds! They gave us the push we needed to get the win, and I just want to say merci to them. I also want to extend my thanks to those who followed from home. It is heartwarming to know that Belgian fans are passionate about us and our sport.
Looking back on our first week here, we barely slept in our first two days because of the excitement and the adjustment to the weather, etc. We had a few players getting a bit sick, since it is like 30 degrees outside, but once you step into the hotel, it's like 16 degrees. But that’s part of the gig, and we have adapted to the conditions.
It is great to be involved in an environment where four teams are deeply focused on showing their best, giving a real feeling of a proper World Cup. Teams have to learn to adapt, improve, and stay focused for three whole weeks, and that’s something we have always aspired to.
Although we are 100% focused on our goal, we also enjoyed a few leisure activities, and even had the chance to eat pizza, as our staff gifted us after the game. They have been on our side since the start, and they recognise when we have made a serious effort to deliver. We might not be in Italy, but the pizzas tasted great!
I also want to share some words about Jean-Maurice Deccuber. Our captain has brought so much positivity to the camp, always helping around and motivating everyone to their best. His mindset is outstanding, and he is setting an example for future generations. It is great to be playing alongside him, something I have been lucky enough to do as we play for the same club, Vannes.
Finally, I think people were a bit shocked by our win against Namibia, and while I understand the surprise, we had already sounded the alarms. We defeated Portugal back in January 2024, a result that put us on the map. This result against Namibia is just more proof that Belgium is here not only to dream big, but to accomplish those dreams. Believe in us and in our willpower.
Do not miss our next game on November 13th at 2pm (Brussels Time) ! Watch on RugbyPassTV, Auvio and Sporza !
You can keep up to date from all the happenings in Dubai by following Belgium on their social channels.
