Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, Wales Rugby
RUGBY WORLD CUP, POOL D, NEW PLYMOUTH, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011. KICK OFF 0830 BSTIt appears qualification for the World Cup knockout stages, and a potential quarter-final tie against Ireland, is now lying in wait for Warren Gatland's Wales.
Only complacency, and a set of improbable results that sees Fiji pip them to second spot, stands in their way.
That includes them failing to secure a bonus-point win over Namibia.
It's an unlikely prospect though, given what's gone on before.
Namibia have already leaked 185 points - including 12 tries against South Africa last time - in their opening three games and face a four-game turnaround from the Springboks mauling when they sign off against Wales.
Don't expect Wales to rack up a similar scoreline to that of South Africa, but they will be confident of notching up a healthy buffer if they can go through the gears.
And while Gatland has reshuffled his side, knowing he has the likes of the fit-again Ryan Jones and Gethin Jenkins pushing for pushes should be enough of a motivation to help the Dragons to a comfortable win.
Fly-half Stephen Jones, who is poised to break Wales' international caps record, said: "We are aware of what is potentially on the horizon.
"But we have just got to concentrate on what is immediately ahead.
"Fiji is a big game, but so is Namibia, and we have to get things right for that. Namibia are a very physical outfit, but it's all about momentum now."
MEN TO WATCH:
Stephen Jones (Wales): Jones is finally poised to break Wales' appearance record - after a seven week wait. Jones, who will win his 101st cap, has proven his fitness after missing the opening two games with a calf injury. He will be desperate to mark his landmark day with a win and a performance that will ensure he keeps the jersey against Fiji.
Darryl de la Harpe (Namibia): One of two brothers, de la Harpe has been switched to the centre to try and bring some bulk and experience to Namibia.
FORM GUIDE:
Wales lost their opening game by one point against South Africa, but bounced back to record an important win in a bruising encounter with Samoa. Namibia have made up the numbers and have suffered three heavy defeats.
THE BREAKDOWN:
THE FORWARDS: Wales would always have edged this area, but having the experience of two returning British Lions tips the balance strongly in their favour. Given Namibia's scrum creaked so badly against the Springboks, it doesn't bode well for the minnows' pack.
Edge: Wales
THE BACKS: Jones' return is a boost and he can provide the calming head that his deputy Rhys Priestland had struggled to achieve in the opening two games. But the loss of James Hook through injury is compensated with Leigh Halfpenny's recall against the minnows.
Edge: Wales
THE REPLACEMENTS: Gatland's men are stretched in his department after sustaining injuries. But with the likes of Andy Powell and George North ready to step into the breach, all the Namibians have are fresh legs among the replacements.
Edge: Wales
THE COACHING: Gatland won't want to come unstuck here after doing the hard work against Samoa. He will have one eye on the final game with Fiji, but he will have little problem motivating his players unlike opposite number Johan Diergaardt who will struggle to raise morale after watching his players humiliated by South Africa.
Edge: Wales
FANHOUSE PREDICTS: Wales by 25
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