Namibia came to international attention in 1991, when they beat the Italian side and defeated the touring Irish in two tests. Phil Matthews' team was beaten 15-6 in the first test, and 26-15 in a match just two months before they started their 1991 Rugby World Cup campaign.
In 1991, Namibia made a significant impact on the international rugby scene by defeating both Italy and Ireland in two tests.  Their first test against Italy ended with a score of 15-6, while they followed it up with a victory over the touring Irish team by a margin of 26-15 just two months before their Rugby World Cup campaign began.