Eursport.yahoo.co.uk takes a look at Pool D minnows Namibia, the leading side from the African qualifying section that have yet to win a game in the World Cup finals.

NAMIBIA

World Ranking: 25

Coach: Hakkies Husselman

Key player: Kees Lensing

Namibia booked a spot in what will be their third consecutive World Cup when they finished top of the Africa (CAR) qualifying pool.

The Namibians struggled in their two previous appearances, in 2003 and 1999, and suffered heavy defeats in all their games.

So coach Hakkies Husselman's aim this time round will be simple: to secure the 'Welwitschias' first victory in the tournament.

Husselman, who will be the youngest coach in France at 34 years old, was only appointed earlier this year when former coach Johan Venter was sacked.

But he at least has experience of playing in the World Cup, having made three appearances in the 2003 tournament.

Husselman has named nine of his team-mates from the 2003 World Cup, though it is unlikely their experience will allow them to trouble three of their group opponents - Argentina, hosts France and Ireland, who they face in their opening game in Bordeaux on September 9.

Namibia's one realistic chance of victory will come against their fourth group rivals Georgia, who are also qualifiers for the tournament.

Both teams will, therefore, be targeting their clash in Lens on September 26 as their only hope of victory.

Namibia's World Cup preparations have hardly been ideal as they went down 105-13 in a one-sided affair against South Africa in eraly August.

Whatever happens is it likely to prove a tight affair following Georgia's 26-18 victory over their African rivals when they met for the first time in the IRB Nations Cup back in June.

Rugby World Cup Record

1987: N/A

1991: N/A

1995: Did not qualify

1999: No pool wins

2003: No pool wins

Squad

Forwards: Skipper Badenhorst, Jacques Burger, Bradley Langenhoven, Thinus du Plessis, Jane du Toit, Nico Esterhuizen, Hugo Horn, Domingo Kamonga, Wacca Kazombiaze, Kees Lensing (capt), Herman Lintvelt, Michael Mackenzie, JM Meyer, Jacques Niewenhuis, Johnny Redelinghuys, Heino Senekal, Piet van Zyl Marius Visser.

Backs: Melrick Africa, Heini Bock, Lu-Wayne Botes (pictured), John Drotsky, Du Preez Grobler, Eugene Jantjes, Tertius Losper, Deon Mouton, Morne Schreuder, Jurie van Tonder, Emile Wessels, Ryan Witbooi.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport