WORLD CUP RUGBY: Samoa v Namibia in Rotorua

14.09.2011
Venue: Rotorua International Stadium
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Preview Just how tough are the Samoans? I would put them ahead of the Fijians as far as physicality goes although on recent form Samoa are ahead, slightly, of Fiji. This is about the only measure one has when it comes to analysing these two teams.

Samoa has a proud rugby tradition. New Zealand
has a huge Samoan population who will be out
in force to support their team.
Samoa has a proud record this season. They defeated Australia back in July, surely one of the highlights of their international test record. They are an imposing presence on the field. The Namibians will have to up their game from how they played against Fiji, to contain these fierce island players.
Previous Encounter 12.07.2003 Samoa 40-17 in Windhoek
2011 World Cup So Far This is Samoa’s first game
Namibia 10.09.2011 v Fiji L 25-49 in Rotorua
GWC Rugby Rankings World Table-Samoa 9th, Namibia 20th
IRB Ranking Points Samoa 74.55, Namibia 51.24
Prediction: Samoa by 39
Teams

Samoa 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesani Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, Capt. 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements
16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, 22 Tasesa Lavea.
Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

Namibia 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Llewellyn Winkler, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Pieter Jan van Lill, 7 Jacques Burger, Capt. 6 Jacques Nieuwenhuis; 5 Henk Franken, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements
16 Bertus O'Callaghan, 17 Jane du Toit, 18 Nico Esterhuyse, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 TC Losper.
Head Coach: Johan Diergaardt