Samoa focus on Namibia with respect

Samoa full back Paul Williams insists his team are under no added pressure to perform in their Rugby World Cup 2011 opener after their stunning upset of Australia in July.

The Samoans have named the same starting XV which beat the Wallabies 32-23 in Sydney for their clash against Namibia in Rotorua on Wednesday.

Asked whether expectations had been raised after beating eventual Tri Nations champions Australia, Williams said Samoa would treat Namibia with the same respect as Pool D heavyweights South Africa and Wales.

"There's no more (pressure) than playing any other team," he said.

"As we've seen in those opening games, there's been some really close tussles so we're well aware we're up for a big game on Wednesday."

'Fight fire with fire'

Namibia flanker Jacques Nieuwenhuis said the Africans would not take a backwards step against a Samoa team renowned for their stinging defence across the park.

"They're not like old Samoa sides where they play all flashy," he said.

"They're more structured now, they're in excellent condition. We know we're going to have to work very hard for 80 minutes, fight fire with fire. And we can.

"They're going to come at us with everything they've got. We want to make it as difficult as we can."

Samoa have a big and experienced pack led by captain and hooker Mahonri Schwalger while giant Alesana Tuilagi is a devastating strike weapon on the wing.

"He's a monster and he's got a bit of speed," Samoa scrum half Kahn Fotuali'i said of the 111kg wing.

After their 49-25 loss to Fiji on Saturday, Namibia captain Jacques Burger indicated the Africans would aim to minimise their errors and keep the ball in hand more, with fly half Theuns Kotze controlling the play.
Namibia and Samoa have met on just one occasion - in July 2003 when the Pacific Islanders triumphed 40-13 in the Namibian capital Windhoek.