It was hard work against a stubborn Zimbabwean team, but Namibia convincingly broke down their resistance to win 34-19 (five tries against three) and advance to the final of Rugby Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2023 World Cup.

Only one hurdle now remains – on Sunday night, against the Kenya team whose forwards looked very vulnerable against Algeria’s onslaught, before surviving 36-33.

Coach Allister Coetzee’s men are once again favoured to win on Sunday night in Aix-en-Provence and book the country’s place to its seventh consecutive appearance at the World Cup.

Tries by wing Gerswin Mouton (after 7 minutes) and a penalty try shortly before half-time gave Namibia a 14-5 lead after the first half.

Along with the penalty try, Zimbabwe’s flank Jason Fraser was also sent off with a yellow card.

Namibia took full advantage immediately after the resumption by working flank Janco Venter over for a try (21-5). Cliven Loubser also hit a penalty through the posts, after his third successful conversion.

Further tries by left wing JC Greyling and Wian Conradie, breaking from the eighthman position to score from a five-metre scrum, stretched the score further beyond the reach of the Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe scored tries by props Cleophas Kundiona and Kelvin Kanenungo, as well as reserve hooker Liam Larkan, two of which were converted by their scrumhalf and captain Hilton Mudariki.