It’s another busy weekend in France with plenty of Rugby World Cup action to look forward to.

The second block of matches got underway on Thursday night with the hosts France beating the Los Teros of Uruguay 27-12 in a thrilling game played in Lille.

On Friday evening, neighbours Namibia will go up against the mighty All Blacks in Toulouse, and while the three-time world champions are favourites to win, they can expect nothing less than a tough fight against the Welwitschias.

For Namibia it’s an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the very best rugby nations.

Barend Pieterse - Rugby World Cup

The former Cheetah and Springbok, Barend Pieterse, who is the current Namibian assistant coach, said they’ve prepared well for the game against a difficult opponent.

“It is a short turnaround, and if you ask any coach in the world what he wants more of, is time.

“Unfortunately, this is the position we’re in. We actually had a very good week after the Italy match and I feel very confident that all the systems are in place.

“We have been together for a few months, so you can do here and there some fine-tuning, but we’re very happy with the time we had and where we are now.”

Friday night’s game kicks off at 21:00.

On Saturday at 15:00, Manu Samoa will open their campaign against Chile in Bordeaux, while at 17:45 Wales will be in action against Portugal in Nice. Portugal will also play in their first game of the World Cup.

At 21:00 in Nantes, the world number one Ireland will face the ever-physical Tonga, a team that knows how to cause a major upset at a World Cup.

Bongi Mbonambi - Rugby World Cup

On Sunday the action kicks off at 15:00 in Bordeaux with the reigning World Champions, the Springboks going head-to-head with Romania.

The Boks are set to win this game and it will be important to try and get a full-house of points against the Oaks.

The versatile Springbok flanker-hooker, Deon Fourie, will be making his Rugby World Cup debut in the Test at the tender age of 36.

The starting hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, will captain the Springboks for the second time and he said being able to captain a team as experienced as his, makes his job easier against Romania.

“It's always a massive honour and privilege to captain the Springboks, especially on the world stage. I still don't have words for it,” said the Bethlehem born-and-bred player.

“Being in a team like this that's so experienced, all that experience makes my job easier on the day, so I'm looking forward to the game.”

At 17:45 it’s over to Saint-Ettienne where the Wallabies will be up against Fiji, and the Islanders will no doubt back themselves for an upset.

The last game of the weekend will be played at 21:00 when England square up against the unpredictable Japan in Nice.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport