Most people may think that Fiji and Namibia's opening day Pool C clash is merely an appetiser for Saturday's clash of the pool Titans, Canada and France - but that is not how the two sides see it.

The Fijians are keen to cast aside the tag of being merely sevens wonders and recapture the spirit of the side that made the 1987 World Cup quarter-finals while the Namibians are here to show that they are not just mere cannon fodder and capable of giving the elite a run for their money.

In selecting sevens star Waisale Serevi at out-half in preference to the more conservative Lawrence Little, the Fijians intention is clear - to run the ball and drag the tough Africans all over the pitch.

One man however who will play no part in the World Cup is their injured French-based centre Tabai Matson.

The Namibians, who saw off Zimbabwe and Cote d'Ivoire to get here, are just happy to be starting their campaign after their remarkable achievement in qualifying was forgotten amid squad disenchantment over suggestions of a quota system of blacks and whites being introduced.

Their backs are quick, particularly full back Leane van Dyk and in Quinn Hough they possess both an outstanding back row forward and an inspirational captain.

Fiji: A Uluinayau; F Lasagavibau, V Satala, W Sotutu, I Tiko; W Serevi, J Rauluni; A Mocelutu, S Tawake, A Naevo, E Katalau, S Raiwalui, J Veitayaki, G Smith (capt), D Rouse. Replacements: M Nakauta, L Little, M Rauluini, K Sewabu, I Tawake, E Naituivau, I Rasila.

Namibia: L van Dyk; D Farmer, A Samuelson, S van der Merwe, D Mouton; J Zaayman, R Jantjies; S Furter, J Olivier, Q Hough (capt), P Steyn, H Senekal, J Opperman, H Horn, M Jacobs. Replacements: G van Wyk, F van Rensburg, S Janse van Rensburg, H Lintvelt, J Theron, A Blaauw, E Smith.