Preview: Georgia v Namibia

Pivotal: Georgia's Merab Kvirikashvili

It's hardly one for the spectating masses, but this fixture will have been marked in the diaries of the 'Pool of Death' minnows long before the tournament's opening ceremony.

Never mind the Argentina versus Ireland knockout nail-biter, Georgia and Namibia will be fighting tooth-and-nail in Lens as they attempt to secure their respective debut success in World Cup history.

And it seems that all of the previous games against heavyweights Argentina, France and Ireland have been in preparation for this.

We (the team) will be stronger against Georgia," promised Namibia coach Hakkies Husselman after their defeat to the Pumas.

"It's difficult to play three big games in a row and the last one four days later, but the guys are prepared for that.

"We hoped to get something out of our first three tough matches, but the Georgia game was the one we have been targeting for our first win."

And so it is, as Husselman's team selection duly confirms.

The likes of captain Kees Lensing, Heino Senekal and Ryan Witbooi return after being rested during Saturday's 63-3 defeat to Argentina in Marseille.

Meanwhile, Jacques Nieuwenhuis is back in the side after serving a one-match suspension for his high-tackle on Sébastien Chabal during the game against France.

Namibia's opponents presently sit one point above the Africans at the foot of Pool D, following an impressive performance against the disjointed Irish in Bordeaux.

And Georgia will be under new leadership for their penultimate fixture with captain Ilia Zedginidze ruled out due to a fractured kneecap, ultimately meaning his premature retirement from the game.

However, the Lelos will enter the Stade Félix Bollaert in an ultra-confident mood, buoyed since coming within a whisker of stunning the rugby world last time out.

And if nothing else, that marginal one-point cushion will count for nothing on Wednesday evening as this winner-takes-all clash possesses all the hallmarks of a mini final.

Ones to watch:

For Georgia: With guts and character running through numbers one to fifteen, the Lelos may count themselves extremely unlucky only to have come away with a solitary point against Eddie O'Sullivan's men. One man partly responsible for their finest hour is the general who controls the Georgian show, fly-half Merab Kvirikashvili. The number ten's decision-making and use of his mammoth boot will once again be integral to the Europeans' chances of victory.

For Namibia: Measuring in at only five feet and three inches in his socks, full-back Heini Bock is down there with rugby's shortest. But against Kvirikashvili's high testers, Bock will have to raise his game and command from the back if Namibia are to stem the Georgian muscle.

Head-to-Head: In a game that should be dominated by the tight exchanges, tired legs may play a significant role late on in Lens. This is why the battle between wings Giorgi Shkinin and Ryan Witbooi could mean the difference between success and failure. It promises to be frantic; therefore cool heads will be vital from the finishers!

Previous results:

2007: Georgia won 26-18 in Bucharest

Prediction: A tough one to call as passion and World Cup history is riding on the result. But judging from their efforts thus far in the tournament's toughest Pool, Georgia must be etched as favourites for the four points. However, it won't be a battle won at a canter - Georgia by 10 points!

The teams:

Georgia: 15 Malkhaz Urjukashvili, 14 Irakli Machkhaneli, 13 Davit Kacharava, 12 Irakli Giorgadze, 11 Giorgi Shkinin, 10 Merab Kvirikashvili, 9 Irakli Abuseridze (c), 8 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 7 Rati Urushadze, 6 Grigol Labadze, 5 Mamuka Gorgodze, 4 Levan Datunashvili, 3 David Zirakashvili, 2 Akvsenti Giorgadze, 1 Goderdzi Shvelidze.

Replacements: 16 David Khinchagashvili, 17 Avtandil Kopaliani, 18 Victor Didebulidze, 19 Besso Udesiani, 20 Bidzina Samkharadze, 21 Revaz Gigauri, 22 Besiki Khamashuridze.

Namibia: 15 Heini Bock, 14 Ryan Witbooi, 13 Piet van Zyl, 12 Corne Powell, 11 Bradley Langenhoven, 10 Tertius Losper, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Tinus du Plessis, 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 5 Heino Senekal, 4 Wacca Kazombiaze, 3 Marius Visser, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Kees Lensing (c).

Replacements: 16 Johannes Meyer, 17 Johnny Redelinghuys, 18 Jane du Toit, 19 Nico Esterhuize, 20 Jurie van Tonder, 21 Melrick Africa, 22 Morne Schreuder.

Date: Wednesday, 26 September

Venue: Stade Félix Bollaert, Lens

Kick-off: 18:00 (17:00 BST, 16:00 GMT)

Referee: Steve Walsh

Touch judges: Malcolm Changleng, Paul Marks

Television match official: Federico Cuesta

Assessor: Michel Lamoulie

By Adam Kyriacou