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Kiribati acquires international funding for solar power

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:53:18 GMT

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Environment

26 March 2013: Kiribati acquires international funding for solar power
8 March 2013: Wikinews interviews British scientist Dr Paul Dolman about proposal to cull deer population
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
13 January 2013: Fires burn across eastern Australia amid summer heatwave
30 November 2012: Locally designed, low emissions car launched in Qatar

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Solar panel installation in the United States
Image: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Last Tuesday, AusAID Australia and the World Bank's Global Environment Fund (GEF) reached an agreement to give the government of Kiribati US$5 million (AU$4,779,000, NZ$5,985,000, €3,885,000) to install solar panels around the country capital, located on the Tarawa atoll. According to Business Desk of the Brunei Times, AusAID promised AU$3.2 million in funding, while GEF promised US$1 million. The country was the first in the Pacific to make a deal with the World Bank.

The funding was part of a US$530 million (NZ$635 million) package announced at yesterday's Pacific Energy Summit in Auckland involving New Zealand and the European Union, Australia, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the World Bank Group, and the United Arab Emirates. Also at the summit yesterday, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully had announced a national commitment of USD$54,262,000 (AU$51,861,000 NZ$65 million, €42,178,000) to Pacific region energy solutions, of which US$8,348,000 (AU$8 million, NZ$10 million, €6,483,000) would be specifically earmarked for renewable energy and improved energy efficiency in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu.

File:Koririnteuea maneaba in Nabeina, North Tarawa, Kiribati.jpg

A small school maneaba (equivalent to a school hall) in Nabeina, North Tarawa, Kiribati

Kiribati is heavily dependent on diesel fuel for most of the energy available on the national power grid, which supplies power to half Kiribati's population of 110,000. In addition, a third of the country's population lacks access to electricity. Once installation of the solar panels is complete, they are estimated to reduce diesel consumption by 230,000 liters (60,760 gallons) a year and give access to the electricity to some parts of the population that currently have no electricity. The European Union already has committed €100 million to sustainable energy in the region, with €10 million of that coming as a result of an announcement made last week.

In a press release about the news, Kiribati President Anote Tong was quoted as saying, "Kiribati faces big challenges it is remote, it is at risk from the effects of climate change, and it is vulnerable to economic shocks. [...] Shifting Kiribati's focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source for the country's people." Radio New Zealand International quoted Tong as saying, "It's the first time we are doing this. We're excited at the prospect of even substituting fossil fuel to a small extent at this stage. What the system being envisaged will only produce around 500 kilowatts, but this is the beginning of what I hope will be a pattern, the trend in the future."

The European Union's Fiji-based head of operations for the Pacific region, Renato Mele, supported alternative energy solutions like solar power for the region, but said that solar power had limitations because climate and environmental conditions sometimes meant batteries required to power the panels had a life of only 12 months, compared to other climates where batteries normally last five years. This created the potential to drive up standard operating costs. Mele has also noted these additional costs though are still lower than the cost of diesel power.

One News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver noted, "Governments will be able to put the money they (currently) spend on diesel into things like education and health."

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Sources [edit]

"Kiribati gets donor funding for Tarawa solar panels" — Radio New Zealand International, March 26, 2013
"Multi-million deal for energy efficient Pacific" — ONE News, March 26, 2013
BusinessDesk.co.nz. "Batteries the biggest obstacle to solar power in the Pacific" — ShareChat.co.nz, March 25, 2013
Xinhua. "Pacific leaders discuss plans to break fossil-fuel reliance with major donors" — Global Times, March 25, 2013

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Samoa looking ahead to Rio Paralympics with eye on powerlifting

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:40:38 GMT

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

2012 Summer Paralympics

Newest 2012 Paralympic stories

24 February 2013: Team USA delivers going into third day of 2013 IPC Alpine World Championships
19 January 2013: Wikinews interviews Spain's most decorated Paralympian, Teresa Perales
28 September 2012: Wikinews interviews Australian Glider Amanda Carter
13 September 2012: Australian wheelchair rugby team wins gold at London Paralympics
11 September 2012: Samoa looking ahead to Rio Paralympics with eye on powerlifting

...More articles here

Leitu Viliamu, at the Paralympic Village in 2012. Viliamu is one of two Samoans who competed at this year's event in London.
Image: Laura Hale.

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An interview with the Samoa Chef de Mission Julie Tuala in London
Image: Laura Hale.

London, England — In an interview with Samoa's Chef de Mission at the London Paralympics, Julie Tuala said she hopes to get a powerlifting program under way in Samoa following the London Games.

The Samoa Paralympic Committee, she explained, with assistance from the Oceania Paralympic Committee is submitting a grant request to acquire the equipment necessary for a powerlifting program in Samoa; equipment costs around A$18,000 to A$20,000 used, and is specifically built for paraplegic competitors who need to be strapped down when lifting. If Samoa is successful in getting the money for the equipment, the next challenge will be finding money to cover the cost of freighting it to Samoa. Tuala and the nation's athletics coach have previously held raffles, run events at a golf club, and run bake sales to assist in covering costs for developing disability sport in the country and look to do it again if they can get the grant. The last grant the International Paralympic Committee gave for the region for the equipment did not include Samoa.

According to Tuala, equipment costs are a major barrier to participation in the development of disability sport. Samoan London Paralympian Leitu Viliamu needs a new leg as she has outgrown hers. A high quality leg like the one worn by Oscar Pistorius can cost upwards of AUD$10,000 per leg. Viliamu and fellow Samoan Paralympian Milo Toleafoa only acquired real running shoes for the first time when they arrived in London.

Samoa has primarily sent athletics competitors to past Paralympics because of the cost factor.

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Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

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Wikinews interviews Oceania Paralympic Committee President Paul Bird

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:12:55 GMT

2012 Summer Paralympics

Newest 2012 Paralympic stories

24 February 2013: Team USA delivers going into third day of 2013 IPC Alpine World Championships
19 January 2013: Wikinews interviews Spain's most decorated Paralympian, Teresa Perales
28 September 2012: Wikinews interviews Australian Glider Amanda Carter
13 September 2012: Australian wheelchair rugby team wins gold at London Paralympics
11 September 2012: Samoa looking ahead to Rio Paralympics with eye on powerlifting

...More articles here

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Map of Oceania
Image: CIA World Factbook.

London, England — When Wikinews interviewed Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) President Paul Bird, the day before the start of this year's Summer Paralympics, he shared the idea that whilst Oceania may not be the first place one thinks of in connection with "Paralympics" or even "developing countries", Oceania is represented at the Games in London by athletes who have overcome many obstacles in order to compete.

According to Bird, two athletes from Oceania are regarded as medal prospects. One, Fijian high-jumper Iliesa Delana, missed out in Beijing due to his event being cancelled. He is currently ranked number two in the world, having won silver at the World Championships. The other is Francis Kompaon, a sprinter from Rabaul in Papua-New Guinea competing in the 100 and 200 metre sprints. These athletes qualified under the standard Paralympic processes. Other Oceania athletes are "wildcards", selected by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to broaden the number of nations taking part. Countries do not always get their preferred choices of wildcards; for a variety of reasons, the IPC may select a less-favoured athlete. In particular, women are more likely to be chosen to address the games' gender imbalance.

It's not easy being an athlete, or an official, from a developing country says Bird. Often people are confronted with a host of unfamiliar situations. For example: many of the required forms are now online; officials with little technology experience have to navigate an unfamiliar landscape of browsers, buttons and passwords.

The OPC consists of eight countries: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Papua-New Guinea. Papua-New Guinea and Samoa are sending two athletes each to the London Games. Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands are sending one each.

Bird says, in attempting to promote Paralympic sport in Oceania, the region's Paralympic Committee puts a priority on training local officials, coaches and classifiers. This helps member countries conduct their own events, without assistance from Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, the Committee organizes the Arafura Games, a regional competition.

Countries in the region are encouraged by the OPC to assemble teams, get athletes into work rankings, and plan ahead for the 2016 Paralympics to be held in Rio. Efforts are being made to strengthened ties between the region and international bodies such as the International Tennis Federation.

Bird, as head of the OPC, has been a member of the Australian Paralympic Committee since 1993. He won gold and silver medals in swimming at the 1984 Paralympics where he was the Australian Team Captain. He was the Australian Chef de Mission in Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004, and the Assistant Chef de Mission in Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996, and Beijing in 2008. He also currently sits on the Australian Paralympic Committee's board.

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Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

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American Samoa received eight minutes warning before 2009 tsunami

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:51:35 GMT

Friday, September 24, 2010

Disasters and accidents

More articles about disasters and accidents on Wikinews:

People in American Samoa were given only eight minutes warning that a tsunami, which killed 32 people in the unincorporated territory, resulting from the 2009 Samoa earthquake, was approaching. A report published by the United States Congress admits that the warning was issued sixteen minutes after the 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck Samoa. The tsunami killed nearly 200 people in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.

The report, written by the National Research Council, describes the length of time between the earthquake and the initial tsunami warning being issued as "relatively long", and states that the standard time for such a warning to be issued to be around two minutes. The study also revealed that one third of tsunami sensors are not working at any given time.

John Orcutt, a [seismologist and head of the committee that wrote the report, described the delay as a "major concern", but he also said that "a large number of people" in American Samoa "didn't understand and there were lives that were lost because people simply didn't take the action to get away from the shore when they felt this huge earthquake. People have to understand the signs of a tsunami and head to higher ground."

The [Federal Emergency Management Agency, whose purpose is to coordinate the response to a disaster that has occurred in the United States and that overwhelms the resources of local and state authorities, and the Government of American Samoa did not respond to e-mails regarding the news.

Unprepared [edit]

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Security camera footage of the tsunami surging through a parking lot in Pago Pago

The study also notes that people living in other coastal cities around the world are at risk of being unprepared for tsunamis that arrive soon after the earthquake occurs, stating that in many places, warnings might not be issued in time. "If the source were so close to shore that only minutes were available before the tsunami reached the coast, the public would need to recognize natural [signs of a tsunami approaching]." The report states that when they fear a tsunami is imminent, people should know to evacuate even "without official warnings."

The report warns that because tsunamis are so rare, people living near the coast do not know what to do, but it also criticises authorities for not informing citizens of how to react when a tsunami is approaching. "Everybody thought that the tsunami was a single wave, and once the expected landfall time came and left, they thought it was over," said Costas Synolakis, who is director of the Tsunami Research Center at the University of Southern California, and one of the report's authors. He continued, "In fact, tsunamis are a series of waves that can last for three to four hours."

He said that the United States must take action, training first responders in low-lying coastal areas, and adding more tsunami sensors to give advance warning of approaching waves. Synolakis added that, after receiving warning that there may have been a tsunami on the way after the Chile earthquake earlier this year, the response of firefighters at the Port of Los Angeles was poor because they were unfamiliar with how to deal with such a threat.

'All the people on the bus were screaming' [edit]

In the capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago, the tsunami measured 1.57 meters in height. The superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa Mike Reynolds reported four waves as high as six meters. People who experienced the quake said it was long, lasting from 90 seconds to three minutes. "Pago Pago city streets were strewn with overturned vehicles, cars, and debris. Some buildings located only slightly above sea level were completely destroyed by the waves, and power in some locations is not expected to be restored for up to a month," Wikinews reported at the time.

Didi Afuafi, 28, who was riding on a bus in American Samoa when the tsunami struck, described her experiences. "I was scared. I was shocked. All the people on the bus were screaming, crying and trying to call their homes. We couldn't get on cell phones. The phones just died on us. It was just crazy," she said. "This is going to be talked about for generations." U.S. President Barack Obama said of the disaster: "My deepest sympathies are with the families who lost loved ones and many people who have been affected by the earthquake and the tsunami."

The people of American Samoa will, next Wednesday, according to a press release by the government, "hold island-wide services to honor the memories of the 34 loved ones who lost their lives" during the tsunami. Church services will be held at 6:00 a.m., followed at 6:48 a.m.—the time when the earthquake occured—thirty-two bells will be rung in memory of those who perished.

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Sources [edit]

"Tsunami Warning and Preparedness: An Assessment of the U.S. Tsunami Program and the Nation's Preparedness Efforts" — National Research Council,
Chip Brian. "American Samoa Had 8 Minute Warning Before Last Year's Tsunami" — Mysmarttrend, 20 September 2010
Goher Iqbal Punn. "American Samoa got eight minutes warning last year" — Buzztab, 20 September 2010
Tony Barboza. "Better education about tsunamis for coastal residents is urged" — Los Angeles Times, 18 September 2010
"Program American Samoa Government September 29 Memorial Service" — American Samoa Government, 21 September 2010

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Professional wrestler Eddie Fatu dies age 36

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:56:15 GMT

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Eddie "Umaga" Fatu earlier this year.

Professional wrestler Eddie Fatu, who wrestled in for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has died at the age of 36. Fatu died of a heart attack while on life support at a Texas hospital. He is reported to have fallen asleep while watching television at home, his wife found him unresponsive several hours later and rushed him to hospital.

Originally from Samoa, Fatu came from the Anoa’i wrestling family and was the cousin of former World Heavyweight wrestling champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. During his career he worked for several companies. His latest stint was with World Wrestling Federation in which he held their Intercontinental championship. During his time he headlined Wrestlemania, the biggest wrestling event of the year and tried for the heavyweight championship.

He was released in June of this year after failing a drug test and refusing to go to rehab. After his release he wrestled in Total Nonstop Action and All Japan.

His former employers, WWE released a statement saying “WWE would like to express its deepest condolences to Mr. Fatu’s family, friends and fans on his tragic passing. Mr. Fatu was under contract with WWE at various time periods and most recently performed under the name "Umaga." Mr. Fatu's contract was terminated on June 11, 2009”.

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Sources [edit]

"Former WWE wrestler Umaga dead" — TVNZ, December 4, 2009
"Ex-WWE star Umaga dead at 36" — The Sun, December 4, 2009
"Umaga passes" — WWE.com, December 4, 2009

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New 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes South Pacific

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:19:22 GMT

Friday, October 2, 2009

Disasters and accidents

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A fresh, 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the South Pacific again on Friday. The tremors were felt in Tonga and Samoa, which are still reeling after a stronger earthquake and tsunami struck the area several days earlier.

According to the US Geological Survey, the tremors began underwater at 02.46 GMT on Friday, with the epicentre about 242 kilometres off of the Tongan island of Neiafu, at a depth of ten kilometres. The earthquake is among the dozens of aftershocks that occurred in the region since Tuesday's big quake.

No damage and casualties from that earthquake have been reported, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami warning.

Experts did not think it likely that the earthquake would cause any tsunamis. "I don't think there is a particular tsunami danger from that earthquake," said seismologist Phil Cummins to the Agence France-Presse news agency.

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Sources [edit]

"6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Samoa region" — Xinhua, October 2, 2009
"Fresh quake rattles Pacific islands" — Al Jazeera, October 2, 2009

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Death toll from tsunami in Southeast Asia increases

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:47:27 GMT

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Disasters and accidents

More articles about disasters and accidents on Wikinews:

A tsunami that was generated in the South Pacific by a powerful undersea earthquake has killed at least 110 people, according to authorities.

The epicentre of the earthquake

The majority of the fatalities occurred in Samoa, where rescue workers say at least 84 people were killed. Another 24 people are confirmed dead on American Samoa, while at least seven fatalities have been reported in nearby Tonga.

The US Geological Survey says an 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck early Tuesday local time. It generated waves that devastated coastal areas, knocked down buildings and sent cars floating out to sea.

Strong aftershocks followed the initial earthquake, with at least one measuring a magnitude 5.6. Tsunami alerts were issued for the entire South Pacific region but were later canceled. Survivors fled to high ground and stayed there for hours.

Samoa [edit]

Several villages were destroyed on the southern Samoan coast of Upolu, which is also home to many tourist resorts.

During a flight on from Auckland, New Zealand to Apia, Samoa, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told reporters he was shocked by the disaster. "So much has gone. So many people are gone. I'm so shocked, so saddened by all the loss."

"The situation is very bad," said Marie-Francoise Borel, a spokesperson for the International Red Cross, to the CTV News Channel by telephone. "This massive wave has swept across - it's destroyed villages, it's destroyed homes, people are in shock."

The assistant chief executive of Samoa's disaster management predicted that the death toll in the country could surpass one hundred, saying that searches for bodies in the region are still ongoing.

"They are still continuing the searches for any missing bodies in the area. Some areas have been flattened and the tsunami had brought a lot of sand onshore, so there have been reports the sand has covered some of the bodies. So we need specialised machines to search for bodies that are buried under the sand," he said.

The communications head for the International Federation of the Red Cross, Jason Smith, told the Al Jazeera news agency that the Red Cross "[...] is working hard through five evacuation centres to provide people with safe places to stay and access to clean water," estimating that up to 15,000 people in sixty villages were affected by the tsunami.

American Samoa [edit]

At the capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago, the tsunami measured 1.57 meters in height. The superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa Mike Reynolds reported four waves as high as six meters. People who experienced the quake said it was long, lasting from 90 seconds to three minutes.

	We're focused on bringing in the assistance for people that have been injured, and for the immediate needs of the tens of thousands of survivors down there.
—Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator

Pago Pago city streets were strewn with overturned vehicles, cars, and debris. Some buildings located only slightly above sea level were completely destroyed by the waves, and power in some locations is not expected to be restored for up to a month. FEMA administrator Craig Fugate said that "we're focused on bringing in the assistance for people that have been injured, and for the immediate needs of the tens of thousands of survivors down there."

"The first federal team members are currently en route to American Samoa aboard a Coast Guard plane and will be providing on the ground assessments once they arrive on the island," Fugate said. "FEMA, who has provisions pre-positioned in a distribution center in Hawaii, is also preparing to send supplies as needed to help meet the immediate needs of the survivors."

US President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in American Samoa, and has sent federal aid to support local recovery efforts in the US territory.

"My deepest sympathies are with the families who lost loved ones and many people who have been affected by the earthquake and the tsunami," Obama said. He had earlier pledged in a written statement to give a "swift and aggressive" government response to the disaster.

"I am closely monitoring these tragic events, and have declared a major disaster for American Samoa, which will provide the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response," Obama said.

During a Wednesday appearance near Washington, D.C., the president said the US was ready to help its "friends" in neighboring Samoa and throughout the region.

Tonga [edit]

In Tonga, seven people were confirmed dead and another three missing, after waves struck Niuatoputapu, a northern island. Acting prime minister Lord Tuita said in a statement that "according to information gathered from Niuatoputapu so far, seven people are confirmed dead, three missing and four with very serious injuries," Lord Tuita, the acting prime minister, said in a statement. "It is reported that the tsunami did serious damage to the village of Hihifo, which is like the capital of the island.

"The hospital on the island is reported to have suffered major damage; telephone communication has been cut as a result of damage to equipment and facilities on the island; homes and government buildings have been destroyed," he said.

An airplane was reportedly chartered by Tongan authorities to determine the amount of damage done to Niuatoputapu, but wasn't able to land.

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Sources [edit]

"Tsunami Death Toll Rises in Southeast Asia" — VOA News, September 30, 2009
"Aid flows to tsunami victims in the South Pacific" — CTV Toronto, September 30, 2009
"Aid flows to tsunami-hit Samoas as deaths hit 119" — The Associated Press, September 30, 2009
"Obama expresses 'deepest sympathy' over Samoa tsunami" — Associated Press, September 30, 2009
"Scores dead after Pacific tsunami" — Al Jazeera, September 30, 2009

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2007 Rugby World Cup: Fiji, Tonga and France win

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:49:02 GMT

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Pacific Island nations were pushing for places in the knockout stage of the 2007 Rugby World Cup today. Fiji overcame Canada 29-16, claiming a vital bonus point to go second in Pool B ahead of Wales.

Tonga defeated Samoa 15-19 in Pool A. Tonga overturned a six point deficit at half time to go second in the pool, ahead of a faltering England side who are yet to play both teams.

Meanwhile, France comprehensively defeated Namibia 87-10 in Pool D. Having made 12 changes to the team that lost to Argentina, the French scored 13 tries in their largest ever win.

September 16, 2007 13:00 (UTC+1)
	Fiji	29 – 16	Canada	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales Referee: Tony Spreadbury
	Try: K Leawere 22' K Ratuvou (2) 28', 80' V Delasau 42' Conv: N Little (3) 23', 43', 80' Pen: N Little 8'		Try: R Smith 60' Conv: J Pritchard 61' Pen: J Pritchard (3) 4', 27', 74'	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales Referee: Tony Spreadbury

Canada scored the first points of the match through a James Pritchard penalty. Nicky Little equalised for Fiji four minutes later, and they took the lead in the 20th minute after a try from Kele Leawere. Canada kept in touch with another penalty from Pritchard, but Fiji extended their lead to 15-6 immediately when Kameli Ratuvou scored a try.

After half-time Vilimoni Delasau scored Fiji's third try, but Canada closed the gap to six points after a try from Ryan Smith and a third penalty from James Pritchard. Kameli Ratuvou sealed the win and a crucial bonus point for Fiji after a last minute try, taking the final score to 29-16.

Fiji are currently second in Pool B with ten points, ahead of Wales with five and behind Australia on points difference. Canada are bottom of the group with no points, one short of Japan.

September 16, 2007 16:00 (UTC+2)
	Samoa	15 – 19	Tonga	Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
	Pen: G Williams (5) 6', 21', 23', 29', 69'		Try: E Taione 60' Conv: P Hola 61' Pen: P Hola (4) 3', 38', 47', 67'	Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

In Pool A, Tonga produced a surprise win over Samoa. Pierre Hola kicked them into the lead with a penalty in the third minute, but Samoa's Gavin Williams kicked four penalties to give Samoa the lead. Hola kicked a second penalty for the Tongans in the 38th minute, making the score at half-time 12-6.

Tonga took the lead in the second half with two more penalties from Pierre Hola and a try from Epeli Taione. Gavin Williams scored a fifth penalty for Samoa, but Tonga held on for the victory despite having one player sent off and another receiving a yellow card towards the end of the match.

Tonga go second in Pool A with eight points, behind South Africa with nine and ahead of England with four. Samoa are fourth in the pool with one point, ahead of the United States who have none.

September 16, 2007 21:00 (UTC+2)
	France	87 – 10	Namibia	Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse Referee: Alain Rolland
	Try: C Heymans 7' D Marty 11' T Dusautoir 21' L Nallet (2) 32', 40' V Clerc (3) 38', 59', 65' J Bonnaire 47' S Chabal (2) 49', 54' J-B Élissalde 56' R Ibañez 75' Conv: J-B Élissalde (11) 12', 22', 33', 39', 40', 48', 50', 55', 57', 60', 66'		Try: B Langenhoven 79' Conv: T Losper 80' Drop: E Wessels 10'	Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse Referee: Alain Rolland

France scored thirteen tries against Namibia in their 87-10 victory. The result is France's largest ever win in Rugby Union.

Having drastically changed the side that lost to Argentina in the opening match of the tournament, France had no problems in this match and Cédric Heymans opened the scoring with a seventh minute try. Namibia responded three minutes later with a drop goal from Emile Wessels. David Marty continued the scoring for France, but Namibia lost a player soon afterwards when Jacques Nieuwenhuis received a red card for a dangerous tackle. France scored four more tries in the first half, one each from Thierry Dusautoir and Vincent Clerc and two from w:Lionel Nallet to bring the score to 40-3 at half time.

Vincent Clerc scored two more tries in the second half, and Julien Bonnaire, Sébastien Chabal (2), Jean-Baptiste Élissalde and Raphaël Ibañez added more. Bratley Langenhoven scored a late consolation try for Namibia to reduce France's lead to 77 points.

France are third in Pool D with six points, behind Argentina and Ireland who both have nine. Namibia are bottom of the group with no points, behind Georgia with one.

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Sources [edit]

"Fiji 29-16 Canada" — BBC Sport, September 16, 2007
"Smash-and-grab Fiji break Canada" — Rugby World Cup, September 16, 2007
"Samoa 15-19 Tonga" — BBC Sport, September 16, 2007
"Tonga hold on with 13 men to beat Samoa" — Rugby World Cup, September 16, 2007
"France 87-10 Namibia" — BBC Sport, September 16, 2007
"France post emphatic win" — Rugby World Cup, September 16, 2007

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