Namibia’s 30-15 defeat to Russia in a test match on Saturday affected their world ranking adversely as they dropped down one place to 23rd in the world according to the latest International Rugby Board rankings which were released on Monday.
Namibia’s defeat saw them trade places with Spain, who moved up to 22nd in the world.
Namibia is still the second highest ranked nation in Africa on the IRB world rankings, after the continental powerhouses, South Africa, who are ranked second in the world.
Tunisia are the third ranked African nation with a world ranking of 30, followed by Morocco (32), Ivory Coast (40), Uganda (42), Kenya (43) and Zimbabwe (46).
Russia, meanwhile, moved up to 17th in the world, putting them marginally ahead of the defending European Nations Cup champions Georgia, whom they will once again meet in the European Nations Cup in February, along with Romania, Spain, Portugal and Germany. The top two teams in this competition will qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Meanwhile, Namibia’s planned friendly match against the Cheetahs which was scheduled to take place on Saturday has been cancelled, according to Namibia Rugby Union CEO Sakkie Mouton, who did not elaborate.
Namibia’s next match will be on February 26 when they start their Vodacom Cup campaign with a home match against the Griffons.
Namibia’s Vodacom Cup fixtures are as follows:
26 February: Namibia v Griffons, Windhoek
5 March: Leopards v Namibia, Potchefstroom
12 March: Namibia v Griquas, Windhoek
19 March: Namibia v Falcons, Windhoek
26 March: Namibia b Pumas, Rustenburg
9 April: Namibia v Blue Bulls, Windhoek
16 April: Lions v Namibia, Johannesburg