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Namibians inspired by Pumas

Big Plans: Hakkies Husselman addresses his troops

Namibia coach Hakkies Husselman believes his side can follow in Argentina's footsteps by springing a major World Cup upset.

The Pumas got the tournament off to a dramatic start last night when they edged hosts France 17-12 in an enthralling curtain-raiser.

Inspired by Argentina's performance, Husselman has told his players they can spring a far greater shock when they face Ireland tomorrow.

A Namibian victory at the Stade Chaban-Delmas would be an upset of seismic proportions and seems out of the question.

But Husselman points to the nation's series victory over Ireland in 1991 - Namibia have won two out of their three meetings with tomorrow's opponents - as proof Test rugby's big guns can be beaten.

"Ireland are a tier one nation and have a very good side at the moment. We have a lot of respect for them," he said.

"We're a tier three nation so they're expected to put a lot of points against us. But as we saw last night with Argentina, anything is possible.

"Argentina showed that if you play with passion and your defensive structures are in order you can upset anyone. We have to wait until tomorrow to show what we can do.

"We beat Ireland a few years ago. It wasn't the professional era then and things have changed since.

"But anything can happen on the day and we'll perform our best. I believe we can stay in it for 80 minutes. I will be satisfied if we give a good account of ourselves."

While Argentina had been tipped by many to stun the French last night, no one is backing Namibia to trouble Ireland.

Eddie O'Sullivan, the Ireland coach, has told his side only a rout of the Africans will be acceptable and it is impossible to see any other outcome.

But Namibia's pack are worthy of respect and Husselman has warned Ireland they will face a robust challenge up front.

"We've well prepared. Our fitness levels are good because we've been training hard for the last few months," he said.

"Our fitness levels in our last game against South Africa were good. We've fixed some problems since then and have worked hard on our defence.

"It will be a case of matching them up front and seeing what the backs can do. First phase ball will be very important for both sides.

"In the forwards we can definitely match Ireland. We have a formidable pack.

"In the backs they'll have the edge. We have quite a balanced team."

Namibia number eight Jacques Burger expects the back row to be the key battleground in Sunday's World Cup clash with Ireland.

The Africans' loose trio has been highlighted as their greatest strength by O'Sullivan with Burger regarded as the main dangerman.

And the 24-year-old Griquas forward is relishing his collision with opposite number Denis Leamy.

"We have watched some Ireland tapes in preparation for the game," he said.

"They're very impressive in the back row - physical guys who seem to complement each other very well.

"I saw Denis Leamy and I enjoyed seeing him in action. But it will be even better to actually play against him because he looks a formidable opponent.

"We'll have our hands full, but so too will Ireland because we have a good back row.

"Our forwards have some experienced guys - the backs are a bit younger - so we'll be looking to take them on up front."

Burger, who will join French second division outfit Aurillac in November and has been attracting interest from Natal Sharks, is expecting a difficult night at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Qualification from Pool D could hinge on points difference so Ireland, France and Argentina know they must demolish group minnows Namibia and Georgia as comprehensively as possible.

"We know what the Ireland coach said about scoring as many points as possible against us, but it doesn't bother us," said Burger.

"We expected them to do that anyway because they're a professional rugby team.

"It's such a competitive pool with France, Argentina and Ireland joining ourselves and Georgia and it's important the major nations score as many points as possible.

"We need to get used to it because after Ireland, France and Argentina will want to do exactly the same. Georgia are in the same position as we are.

"Everyone is expecting us to get hammered but the score does not matter as long as we give it our best. We're up against it, that's for sure."