South Africa begin their Rugby World Cup defense with a 17 - 12 win over Namibia . The Sprinboks scrape Pool B victory despite fielding none of their 2007 winning players . Australia , who like South Africa are attempting to win their third world title , scored 26 unanswered second half points to defeat Italy 32-6 in their Pool C opener at North Harbour . There are also narrow victories for both Australia and Ireland in Pool C .
South Africa begin their Rugby World Cup defense with a 17 - 12 win over Namibia . The Sprinboks scrape Pool B victory despite fielding none of their 2007 winning players . There are also narrow victories for both Australia and Ireland in Pool C .