Namibia's Burger ready for RWC challenge

Namibia captain Jacques Burger does not want anyone thinking his side are content just to make up the numbers at Rugby World Cup 2011, even though they have lost all 11 matches in their tournament history.

"We don't just want to be in the World Cup," the flanker said. "We want to compete and make other sides work hard for their victories."

Namibia are not a fully professional side and this disadvantage was reflected in their disappointing RWC campaigns in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Unfortunately, they hold the dubious honour of suffering the biggest loss in the tournament's history, a 142-0 defeat to host nation Australia in 2003.

However, despite Namibia being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 20, Burger is adamant his men are mentally prepared to take on South Africa, Wales, Fiji and Samoa in Pool D.

"I think you've got to be really positive, no matter how small you are in the fight," the 28-year-old said. "If you haven't got the skills, you have to outwork somebody and we want to do that. You have to work your guts out."

Realistic goal

Although Burger is happy with his teammates' attitude, he is realistic about their chances of success.

"It's going to be tough going through the pool stage," he said. "We're playing some of the top sides. We're not targeting one team to beat, we just want to win a game. Every game, we've got to go in with the same mentality."

Namibia launch their bid for a first RWC victory against Fiji on 10 September at Rotorua International Stadium.