Fiji v Namibia: Teams

Fiji captain Deacon Manu insists his side will look to make the most of 'home' advantage when they tackle Namibia in their World Cup opener.

With a number of the Flying Fijians having connects in New Zealand, Manu wants to draw on that at the Rotorua International Stadium.

"A lot of these guys have played in New Zealand or grown up in New Zealand," said Manu.

"It's the closest we'll get to a home World Cup. Any time we play for our country it's emotional, with the added incentive of being in New Zealand and a World Cup.

"A World Cup brings out the best in players but for Fijians it's an emotional time. For us it's about keeping those emotions in check and getting our heads in the right space early on we need to be thinking rather than fuelled by emotion."

Fiji have made 10 changes to their line-up following the 32-20 loss to Tonga in their final warm-up game.

Campese Ma'afu, Wame Lewaravu, Waisea Luveniyali, Vereniki Goneva and Kini Murimurivalu only retain their places, though.

Positive

Namibia have yet to taste victory in the World Cup, but skipper Jacques Burger is determined to change that.

And although Namibia might not have the same quality in their squad as some of their rivals, Burger believes his side will fight all the way.

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

"I think you've got to be really positive, no matter how small you are in the fight. 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."

Burger is one of several changes made for the match following the defeat to Georgia in June, with Danie Dames, Conrad Marais, Piet Van Zyl, Theuns Kotze, Raoul Larson and Hugo Horn also returning.

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Netani Edward Talei, 7 Mala Ravulo, 6 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu (c), 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Seko Kalou, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Albert James Vulivuli, 22 Iliesa Lomani Rakuka Keresoni.

Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie Van Wyk, 12 Piet Van Zyl, 11 Conrad Marais, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 7 Jacques Burger (c), 6 Tinus Du Plessis, 5 Nico Esterhuyse, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements: 16 Bertus O'Callaghan, 17 Jané Du Toit, 18 Pieter Jan van Lill, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan De La Harpe, 21 Darryl De La Harpe, 22 Llewellyn Winkler.