GISBORNE, 7 Sept. - Coach Johan Diergaardt has named two uncapped players in the Namibia squad to play Fiji at Rotorua International Stadium on 10 September.
Wing Danie Dames and prop Raoul Larson will make their debuts in the starting XV for their opening Pool D game.
Scrum half Eugene Jantjies, one of Namibia's most experienced players, is backing the newcomers to take the promotion in their stride.
"They are professionals," the vice-captain said. "They won't be nervous in the big situations."
But backs coach Riaan Jantjies knows that controlling your nerves on the pitch is easier said than done.
"I played in the World Cup in 1999, so I know how nervous you can get," he said.
"That's how you differentiate the good players from the really good players - how they deal with the nerves. If they can turn all that hype into positive energy they will do well."
Namibia and Fiji kick-off at 15:30 on Saturday.
RNS am/mj/ig/sg
