World Cup: New Zealand v Namibia

1. Pool C FT: New Zealand 58-14 Namibia
2. Vito, Milner-Skudder 2, Fekitoa, Barrett, Savea 2, B Smith, Taylor tries
3. Deysel try, Kotze three penalties for Namibia
4. Use audio icon or Live Coverage tab to listen to 5 live commentary

Goodbye

Another day comes ends... Ben Dirs was at the Olympic Stadium and says the All Blacks made it two wins out of two in Pool C with an "efficient victory". To read more of the match report click here.  

Thanks, as always, for joining us for the live coverage, there'll be more of the same on Friday as Argentina take on Georgia at 16:45 BST. Until then...

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New Zealand 58-14 Namibia

In the end, New Zealand made just 31 tackles across the 80 minutes - the fewest of any team in any game at this year's World Cup.

They made an incredible 522 metres, carried on 113 occasions and beat 23 defenders which means either every Namibian player got beaten once - or a couple of them had a particularly trying evening.

Full-time

The introduction of Richie McCaw after the break meant the flanker made his 18th World Cup appearance, which is the most of any All Black and the joint fifth-most of all time. Just thought you'd want to know that. 

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Full-time

So Namibia's losing run at the Rugby World Cup continues - they have now lost all 16 of their World Cup matches - but Phil Davies's men were far from embarrassed by the All Blacks. Many a professional outfit have been on the end of bigger hammerings. 

AP

New Zealand 58-14 Namibia

It will come as no surprise to learn that New Zealand monopolised possession and territory during that 80 minutes. Don't believe me? Take a look:

Opta

Full-time

To play against the number one team in the world, we did well and stuck to our guns. We gave some stupid tries away but that is a lack of experience. It is a dream come true to score against the All Blacks. It is amazing. For all our supporters back home and here, thanks again.

Namibia try scorer Johan Deysel

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Felix Amporo: Well done to the team! Great fight against the world champs!

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Full-time

Ten tries in another entertaining World Cup match. The All Blacks winning handsomely, but it wasn't the romp which many would have predicted. 

There was to be no record score against the Namibians this time and the minnows are refusing to be marmalised in this World Cup. Every underdog has been well-organised and canny at the breakdowns. 

Reuters

Full-time

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I thought it was a good performance from the All Blacks without being excellent. Namibia did themselves proud and scored a good try. They were well led by Jacques Burger. The All Blacks will not be completely happy but I don't think that is such a bad thing as it gives them something to work on.

Converted try - Taylor; Barrett con

  Richie McCaw gains ground... Sam Cane gains ground...  Beauden Barrett with a well-weighted diagonal kick... a flick of the wrists from Nehe Milner-Skudder on the wing to present Codie Taylor a stroll over the line. Barrett adds two points and brings the match to an end. 

Reuters

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The little catch and passes are the micro skills that the All Blacks take pride in. That will be what they will be talking about tomorrow. It has been a good win but they just need to work on those micro skills.

New Zealand 51-14 Namibia

Wyatt Crockett fumbles the ball which ends a promising move. Handling in the tackle will be something for Steve Hansen to work on with his men. 

New Zealand 51-14 Namibia

A 51-14 scoreline might sound like a bit of a hammering, but if this match was to end now it would still only be Namibia's 10th-heaviest defeat in World Cup matches.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have now scored 50 points or more on 14 occasions in the tournament.

All Blacks attacking once more... could they be about to add to that scoreline? 

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger

That is not a double movement. The touch judge is there. He needs to make that call. He has coped out of his role there.

Try - Savea; missed con

A number of fans leaving the stadium, they don't think there'll be much more to see in these last five minutes or so. 

Renaldo Bothma caught offside, and the result of that is predictable: a touchfinder, line-out... All Blacks go down the blindside... Julian Savea powers over. 

The TMO is called into action, asked to check whether there was double movement. There wasn't. Beauden Barrett squanders the conversion but the All Blacks over the half-century mark. 

PA

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The look on the face of the All Blacks coach will be one of frustration. He will want a try like that to be scored and a bit more accuracy. But you need to build in to this World Cup.

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Can't disagree with that after today's performance against the world champions...

No try

It's a familiar tale: Namibia penalised, All Blacks kick to touch... the line-out providing the All Blacks' backline with a honeyed platform. Ma'a Nonu crosses the advantage line... a wave of black charges forward and fall over the line in a heap. 

Was there a knock-on, asks the referee. "It was accidental offside," says the TMO. 

Steve Hansen crosses his hands and has the look of a man who's been told his stamp collection is worthless. 

PA

New Zealand 46-14 Namibia

A latest peek at the action areas with 10 minutes or so to go shows us that New Zealand, as the scoreline suggests, have remained in complete control throughout.

Namibia have spent just 1.6% of the game with ball in hand inside the All Blacks 22, which can't be more than a handful of seconds. But what a handful of seconds they were...

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New Zealand 46-14 Namibia

Jaco Engels back on the field having enjoyed a vol-au-vent or two at the hospitality buffet. It's a sticky five minutes or so from both sides, the referee's whistle dominating rather than the players. Ten minutes to go...

Paul Le Breton: Burger off to a rapturous applause - what a legend! 

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

With the size of the Namibian front row, you wouldn't want to go to the buffet after them.

New Zealand 46-14 Namibia

New Zealand attempt to set Julian Savea free down the wing from their own 22 but the winger is gang tackled into touch. Namibia offering resistance even though the result is now a foregone conclusion. 

Reuters

Replacement - Burger off

Captain Jacques Burger laves the field to whoops and whistles, the talisman has been a leader of brave men this evening. A minute remaining of Jaco Engels' sin-binning and the All Blacks haven't done as much damage against 14 men as many would have predicted. 

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't think New Zealand have had it all their own way. The score is a fair reflection. Namibia have been well led - inspirational would be the word. From an All Black point of view it has been stop-start and they will want to finish well now.

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New Zealand 46-14 Namibia

BBC Sport

Namibia's top-metre maker, captain Jacques Burger, has made just seven. The Saracens legend has been ever-present in defence, though, as his gashed and bloodied face proves. 

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Monique Vrey:  It takes true dedication to put your body on the line for your country the way Jacques Burger is doing tonight. Much respect."

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

You've got to take your hat of to the Namibia defence out of the ruck. The All Blacks are having to work hard. That time they had numbers on the blind side. The All Blacks need to speed it up in general and have a quicker ruck, out-flank the Namibians.

Try - Smith; missed con

The forwards give the All Black backline an opportunity to find holes... Malakai Fekitoa attempts to run through on the outside but is brought to a halt... Nevermind, say the All Blacks, we'll spin it right, and it's replacement Ben Smith who is on the right wing, and gathers for a simple score. 

It's a difficult conversion for Beauden Barrett and he screws it wide of the far post. 

AFP/GETTY

Biggest mismatches, thrashings & upsets in sport

So, we asked you on Facebook: 1. What are the biggest mismatches you've seen in sport? 2. What were the biggest thrashings? 3. What were the biggest giant-killings?  

Pat Curtis replied: 1 European Cup winners Cup 1971, Chelsea beat a team from Luxembourg 21-0 on aggregate. 2. This also qualifies for 1. 3 Football World Cup 2002, holders France 0 Senegal 1.  

New Zealand 41-14 Namibia

Casper Viviers the man called to act as a makeshift front-rower. What a baptism. 

Namibia serial offenders at the scrum, not driving straight this time, but the All Blacks just tell Romain Poite that they want to scrum down again and again... Will the underdogs survive? 

AP

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

What Namibia are trying to do is slow the ball down and they are just going a bit illegal. In the defence of the referee, he has to do that. It is a cynical penalty. They need to be harsh to ensure we have a free-flowing game.

Sin-bin - Engels

Jaco Engels knocks the ball out of Tawera Kerr-Barlow's hand as the scrum-half attempts to pass from the ruck. Referee Romain Poite spots it and shows the prop a yellow card. That means there's a delay in play while Namibia call another front-rower to replace Engels for the forthcoming All Black scrum near the Namibian posts. 

AP

New Zealand 41-14 Namibia

The All Blacks get the driving maul motoring from the line-out... but it isn't firing so they put width on the ball... Namibia holding firm... defending with 14 men as one is injured... The All Blacks having to use brain as well as brawn if they are to break Namibia's defence. 

New Zealand 41-14 Namibia

Namibia caught not driving straight in the scrum, which gives Beauden Barrett another opportunity to practice his kicks to touch. The All Blacks 7m or so from the opposition's tryline. 

New Zealand 41-14 Namibia

Centre Johan Deysel has made five metres and beaten two defenders against New Zealand tonight - all of which was done in the process of scoring that try. Bravo, Mr Deysel. 

Reuters

New Zealand 41-14 Namibia

A number of replacements from both teams - perhaps the most significant being the introduction of the ball carrying number eight Kieran Read. A slight delay in play, substitutions and the scrum to blame. 

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Not just a try but a great try. Well constructed. They took a risk. They caught the All Blacks defence off guard and charged through. It just shows what you can do with a bit of possession.

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Try - Deysel; missed con

Blood gushing from Tinus du Plessis' nose so off he goes temporarily and he misses a beautiful Namibian move... 

Bold from the underdogs, opting for touch instead of the posts and from the line-out they recycle, spin the ball right then back to the left... centre Johan Deysel bullying his way over the line, but Theuns Kotze botches the conversion. The spectators groan in unison. 

AFP/GETTY

New Zealand 41-9 Namibia

His forward pack may not have provided him with a huge amount of ball, but Namibia fly-half Theuns Kotze has at least been 100% accurate from the tee. Bravo. If only the All Blacks were the sort of team to concede 30 penalties within kickable distance. 

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

It was a good sequence of play from the All Blacks. They showed a bit more patience. Julian Savea hit that very hard on the blind side, going from left to right. The defence doesn't quite get set up and he uses his frame to get over.

Converted try - Savea; Barrett conv

Julian Savea scores his 31st international try but his first in 2015. Did he ground the ball? Was there double movement? Apparently not. TJ Perenara spins it out to his backline and it's Savea, looking for work in the middle of the field, who bursts through and wriggles under the posts. Easy two points for Beauden Barrett. 

Reuters

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Theuns Kotze is nailing it right over the posts. And he is so confident, he is turning away before it even reaches the mark.

Penalty - Kotze

Jacques Burger showing as much care for his safety as a crash test dummy, diving for the loose ball while Sonny Bill Williams falls on top of him. 

Despite his efforts, New Zealand will have put-in at the scrum but Beauden Barrett penalised for not releasing, Tinus du Plessis turning over the ball. 

Theuns Kotze angles over the penalty, a well-struck effort.

Kick-off

Here we go again. Brrrr. That's the sound of Romain Poite's whistle, by the way. How many tries will we see in this half? Let's find out. 

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Half-time

BBC Sport

It's not been the most straightforward 40 minutes Namibia's players will enjoy on a rugby field. 

To boot, New Zealand have made 270 metres to their 20.

Half-time

It's Namibian players who occupy the top five spots in the most tackles made, which isn't a surprise. Tinus du Plessis leading the way with nine tackles. 

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Half-time

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't think Steve Hansen will be that happy. I think he will have a bit of a hack at them in the changing room. They need to be patient. Sonny Bill has done it twice but other guys are offloading who shouldn't be doing it. More accuracy and one more ruck is needed. Phil Davies will be saying that Namibia need possession.

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BBC Sport

Five tries from the All Blacks, that's the bonus point in the bag. Namibia have performed as well as any team can without possession. 

Try - Milner-Skudder; Barrett missed con

Nehe Milner-Skudder ends a super slinky move. A kick through from the scrum has the Namibian defence on their heels.., regal handling from Sonny Bill Williams, punching holes and offloading, and eventually the ball finds winger Milner-Skudder who dives over. 

The TMO checks that the ball was grounded and that there wasn't anyone offside. All above board. Beauden Barrett misses the tricky touchline conversion. 

PA

New Zealand 29-6 Namibia

Namibia have missed 15 tackles so far - two more than New Zealand have actually had to make in total.

The All Blacks have enjoyed 72% of the possession, the majority of which has been in Namibia's half. A halt in play as the referee explains the rules of the scrum to both front-rows. 

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Someone like Sonny Bill is doing 150kg on the bench. These are big guys and this is a tough enough game as it is without rolling on someone's neck. It was probably a mistake but is something we need out of the game.

New Zealand 29-6 Namibia

Nehe Milner-Skudder zig-zagging between defenders... the All Blacks looking as if they're about to pounce once more.. the winger passes to Colin Slade whose pass is intercepted by David Philander, but the winger knocks on. Ah, what could have been. Only 60m of turf stood in the winger's way of the tryline. 

AFP/GETTY

New Zealand 29-6 Namibia

"There's a neck roll on number seven blue," says the TMO. "Seven blue on seven black." Tinus du Plessis in trouble, but it's just a penalty, a reversed penalty.  

New Zealand 29-6 Namibia

In the opening 35 minutes just three of New Zealand's players failed to make yardage in attack. By contrast, only full-back Johan Tromp managed to make any ground for Namiba - all of six metres.

Andrew Cotter

BBC Sport

Jacques Burger's craggy face tells the story of a thousand tackles. But he is a leader by example.

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New Zealand 29-6 Namibia

Namibia enjoying their best phase of the match, retaining possession from the line-out... but Johan Deysel loses ball in contact and the underdogs must be alert once more. 

The All Blacks unable to counter-attack from their own half... In fact, the referee Romain Poite awards Namibia a scrum in the All Black half. Why? I don't know, I missed it. 

Reuters

New Zealand 29-6 Namibia

That Beauden Barrett try means Namibia have now conceded more than 1,000 points in World Cup matches, making them the second team to have done so, following Japan's lead. If only they could follow Japan's lead by beating the game's behemoths...

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Channel one is a difficult channel to defend and the thing about Beauden Barrett is he has huge acceleration. When you are on the field you don't think he is running that quick but he flies. The tackler got his angle wrong by a metre and that is difficult to adjust to.

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Converted try - Barrett; conv Barrett

Namibia penalised at the breakdown. New Zealand kick to touch. The tall men set up a perfect platform... a bewitching change of pace from Beauden Barrett who bumps off Jacques Burger and sprints under the posts. The outside-half converts his own try. 

AFP/GETTY

Reuters

New Zealand 22-6 Namibia

If only the Namibians could charge the All Blacks rent for occupying their territory... Alas, that isn't the way the game works and the men in blue must instead tackle, tackle, and tackle some more - 38 made by the Namibians so far in this match. 

Reuters

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The All Blacks will be disappointed with their accuracy. Credit to Namibia but little errors like we are seeing from New Zealand is not acceptable. It will be tough for Sam Cane because there are people out there with more experience but he needs to tell his players to steady themselves and cut out the mistakes.

New Zealand 22-6 Namibia

Opta

The figures are almost irrelevant - just look at all that green, emphasising New Zealand's dominance in the opening quarter.

The most galling stat for Namibia? No metres or clean breaks made, no defenders beaten. 

New Zealand 22-6 Namibia

The All Blacks mess up a two-on-one down the right wing... Nehe Milner-Skudder caught around the ankles by Johan Tromp. The All Blacks not as ruthless as we'd expect them to be, but then again they're scoring nearly a point a minute. 

AFP/GETTY

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

[New Zealand coach] Steve Hansen has been talking about making sure they have a great performance and that comes down to nailing your role and not making errors.

Penalty - Kotze

Theuns Kotze ensuring the scoreboard ticks over for Namibia. New Zealand penalised at the breakdown. 

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think Sonny Bill did a great little angle change just before his off-load. He is one of the best in the world at that.

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Converted try - Fekitoa; Barrett con

The New Zealand forwards gain territory while leaving it to Sonny Bill Williams to create a superb try with a flick from the back of his hand to the supporting Malakai Fekitoa, who crashes through under the posts. Beauden Barrett successful with a simple conversion. 

AFP/GETTY

New Zealand 15-3 Namibia

It's become clear that this match will be played in the Namibian half and that the Namibians are going to struggle in the scrum. Johannes Coetzee crumbling like a freshly-baked cookie and that gifts the All Blacks another penalty...

New Zealand closing in on the Nambian tryline...

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I love front rowers. Many of them have faces only a mother could love but they love a scrum and when it collapses for a penalty, that is almost as good as a try to them.

New Zealand 15-3 Namibia

The scrum is supposed to be a Namibian strength, but they're having problems against the All Black eight. 

Beauden Barrett boots to touch, but Brive lock Tjiuee Uanivi jumps the highest into the night sky and steals the ball. New Zealand lose their own line-out! It's the small victories...

AFP/GETTY

New Zealand 15-3 Namibia

So what's an underdog's best route to success? Start well, get your hands on the ball early and get that set-piece working?

It's not really worked out that way for Namibia, who saw just 20% of the ball in the opening 10 minutes.

During that period, New Zealand needed to make just one tackle.

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

It is a very good sign to send to the All Blacks, letting them know that if they are not careful Namibia can kick the ball from wherever they want.

Penalty - Kotze

The crowd rooting for the underdogs and cheer wildly as the All Blacks hold on to the ball a touch too long, Sam Cane the guilty man. Jacques Burger decides he wants points on the board... 

Theuns Kotze steps up and he's running towards the halfway even before the ball sails between the posts.

AP

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The problem for Namibia is that New Zealand are getting over the advantage line too easily. The defence is not getting reorganised. In fairness to Namibia that was a great step from Nehe Milner-Skudder to get in.

Try - Milner-Skudder; missed con

Another black-shirted wave coming towards Namibia... Malakai Fekitoa sees an opening in midfield, but he passes to his opposite number JC Greyling... 

It matters little... the All Blacks rumble forward... Victor Vito gains ground... New Zealand attacking at lightning speed... Nehe Milner-Skudder with the footwork of a salsa dancer to tip-toe over near the touchline. It's a tricky conversion for Beauden Barrett and he misses. 

Reuters

Converted try - Vito; Barrett conv

Here we go. A first try of the evening for the All Blacks and it goes to Victor Vito, who touches down for his fourth international try. Julian Savea doing the damage down the wing, the All Blacks recycle quickly and Victor Vito bursts through to cross Beauden Barrett adds the two points. 

Reuters

Penalty - Barrett

Namibia giving away penalties in kicking distance of their posts and Beauden Barrett punishes them. The crowd boo the decision to go for the posts, but there should be plenty of try-scoring opportunities during these 80 minutes. 

New Zealand 0-0 Namibia

Namibia's scrum folds like deckchairs in the wind and referee Romain Poite penalises Jaco Engels for standing up in the scrum. 

Theuns Kotze  gains acres with a well-timed touchfinder and the All Blacks backline is quickly in motion... Sonny Bill Williams... 

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John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The scrum is one of Namibia's strengths. They have experience in the front row and they will want to put pressure on New Zealand.

New Zealand 0-0 Namibia

Namibia turnover ball! New Zealand grinding to the halfway line, but Jacques Burger did the dirty work well. The underdogs have put-in at the scrum and the crowd cheer. Is that the sort of night it's going to be? 

AFP/GETTY

Kick-off

Romain Poite, looking pretty in pink, is the man charged with making sure everyone obeys the rules. He adds his spit to his whistle and off we go. "It's going to be a torrid first 10 minutes," says Sir John Kirwan. Make that 80 minutes...

The Haka

The teams have sung the anthems. Delightful, if perhaps not always in tune. Now time for a war dance like no other... Namibia facing the Haka for the first time. 

Reuters

Get Involved

Matt Andrews: New Zealand v Namibia. Possibly the biggest mismatch since rock, paper and scissors were put up against each other.

Getting the blood flowing

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

In the changing room before a game it is different for everyone. For me it was about trying to relax and getting ready for the battle. I had to reaffirm to myself the need to play well. Others will get the aggressive blood flowing. Some get confidence by talking. It is a group moment, but also an individual moment.

Reuters

Namibia team news

The teams in the bowels of the stadium, making their way to their stage.

Phil Davies has named the most experienced Namibian side in their World Cup history. 

Saracens flanker Jacques Burger captains a starting line-up which contains 299 caps and, along with Tinus du Plessis and Eugene Jantjies, plays in his third World Cup. 

BBC Sport

New Zealand team news

Under 10 minutes until kick off so it's probably best to tell you a bit about the men who will entertain us at a jam-packed Olympic Stadium.  

Sam Cane will captain New Zealand for the first time. Cane replaces Richie McCaw at flanker and, aged 23 years and eight months, becomes their fifth youngest captain.

He is one of 12 changes to the team which beat Argentina, with Sonny Bill Williams starting after impressing from the bench on Sunday. What a back-up team that is.

BBC Sport

Get involved

Davies has improved Namibia

Andrew Cotter

BBC Radio 5 Live

Since Phil Davies has come in there has been an organisation and structure to Namibia, almost professionalism to them. They have beaten Russia twice and Kenya. Davies has got them playing some pretty good rugby.

Reuters

Inspiring future generations

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger

I was ten when I saw Brian Williams make a great side-step and I still remember it because it inspired me. Tonight is about people sat in Namibia getting inspired. There were 20m people in Japan watching the Scotland game and it is about them being inspired.

'We're trying to field 30 players'

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So, how best to deal with New Zealand's threat? 

According to coach Phil Davies, the former Wales forward, Namibia's strategy will be to "try to get 30 players on the field".

Certainly unorthodox, if not a tad optimistic.You can hear what else Davies had to say on BBC Wales Sport's Facebook page right here.

'Namibia will want to leave their mark'

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Namibia have to make the most of their opportunity. They won't be targeting a win but a performance. They want to come out with pride and respect. What you have dressed in black tonight is some of the highest paid and best athletes. One the other side you have drivers and dentists and that is something to celebrate. Each one will be looking to leave their mark on the game, be it a great tackle or try.

Get involved

Many are predicting New Zealand to run riot tonight which leads us to ask: what's the biggest sporting thrashing you've seen? Tweet us using the hashtag #bbcrugby or visit the BBC Sport Facebook page.

The form team?

BBC Sport

So when assessing a team's chances heading into a match, the form book always gives us a pretty good indication as to the lay of the land, right?

Well, it turns out there's nothing in it here.

Both teams have won four and lost one of their last five. In Namibia's case, they're on a four-match winning sequence.

This one could yet go either way.

Un petit piece of gossip

PA

As English rugby turns itself inside out, debating Burgess, Barritt and bulky centre partnerships, this little gem has dropped in the French press.

RMC Sport are reporting that Manu Tuilagi is to meet with Toulouse next week to discuss a possible switch to the Top 14.

The 24-year-old is entering the final year of his contract with Leicester. 

His brother and agent Freddie denied earlier in the summer that he had had any contact from French clubs.

BBC coverage

There's live coverage of tonight's match on BBC Radio 5 live which you can access on this page. Go on, treat yourselves to some commentary. 

Davies & Amos in but no Tipuric

Warren Gatland's selection has raised a few eyebrows, too. The New Zealander as opted for 21-year-old Hallam Amos on the wing instead of Lion Alex Cuthbert, while there's no room for Justin Tipuric in the backrow. 

Instead, captain Sam Warburton packs down at open-side flanker in a tried and tested breakaway trio of Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau, with Tipuric providing cover on the bench.  

And it's Gareth Davies who gets the nod at scrum-half for only his second start for his country. 

'The pressure is on England'

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Gats [Warren Gatland] is playing a great mind game. He can be a nice guy now because everyone else is attacking Lancaster. It is the outstanding mind game. Who is the pressure on? On Wales? No, the pressure is all on England. Every media around the world is talking about England's selection.

Lancaster's biggest decision

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The thing that surprised me most is that Owen Farrell came on against Fiji and took control of the team from a psychological point of view. He stood out and said he wanted to be part of this and he did it. I think that is why Stuart Lancaster has gone for him and for Burgess, who also came on and affected the rugby game. At this level, it will either be the best or worst decision Stuart Lancaster has ever made.

What is Lancaster's message?

Alastair Eykyn

BBC Radio 5 Live

Stuart Lancaster has tried really hard to avoid see-sawing in selection. It is worth thinking about what the decision will do to George Ford. It is my understanding the call wasn't broken in the most sensitive of fashion. Is this really the time to ditch the playmaker, who has been the man for the last year? Is the message: one bad game and you are out? If England fall flat this will be raked over a great deal.

Scott who?

Wales fans on social media haven't been laughing this afternoon after hearing of Sam Burgess' reaction to a question about Scott Williams. 

The England centre asked "who?" when informed Wales' Williams would rather face him than Jonathan Joseph on Saturday. 

"Who's that?" Burgess said. "Oh yes. Okay, yes." 

He might come to regret that on Saturday...

Who's laughing now?

What's that sound? Only Wales coach Warren Gatland "laughing all the way to Twickenham".

That's according to former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings who's surprised by Stuart Lancaster's decision to drop Ford and replace the injured Jonathan Joseph with Sam Burgess, who will be winning only his third cap for the Red Roses. 

"Instead of potentially bringing on Henry Slade, who would have been the natural player to fill in for Joseph, they have completely changed their backline," he told BBC Radio 5 live. 

"Yes, they want to get a victory under their belt against Wales on Saturday, but I think Warren Gatland will be laughing all the way to Twickenham."

Don't panic, England

It's the decision to drop the inventive George Ford for the more prosaic Owen Farrell at fly-half and the inclusion of the untested Sam Burgess in England's line-up which has set tongues wagging. 

But Stuart Lancaster says: "I don't think putting an in-form and confident Owen Farrell into the team is a risk. 

"There's definitely no panic.Owen wasn't available in the Six Nations and George was fantastic. We're fortunate to have two high quality players in that position."

BBC Sport

Clash of the weekend

But it's another World Cup match which has been hogging the headlines today, of course, and that's the Pool A confrontation between England and Wales. Neighbors, friends, enemies. 

Wales have been warned for not breaking the rules, though coach Warren Gatland says there were no rules to break; England coach Stuart Lancaster has been accused of panicking in his team selection, though Lancaster says he's as calm as a cucumber. 

It's all been happening ahead of a match which will probably decide who goes through to the quarter-finals and who goes home. Although England are already home, but you know what I mean...

Getty Images

Namibia and the pop classic

Namibia might not be considered contenders against the might of the All Blacks, but what if they were to square up in a karaoke bar instead of the rugby field? What if it was a test of vocal chords instead or rucks and mauls? 

We ask because the Namibian squad have proved themselves to be quite the performers, singing a Backstreet Boys classic on the team bus, as this tweet testifies. 

rugbyworldcup.com

It's off to work they go...

Namibia captain Jacques Burger is ready for battle. But a man who's had six operations to his right knee, two to his shoulders and two to his cheekbones holds no fear, not even when it's the All Blacks opposing him. 

All Blacks looking for perfection

John Kirwan

Former New Zealand winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I was watching Usain Bolt win the 100m here not that long ago. Let's hope some of the Namibians can run as fast as that tonight. The All Blacks' motivation is on excellence tonight. They talk about the perfect game. That is what they will be looking for. They want an error-free evening. Some of these players will be hoping to force their way into a quarter-final spot.

'Namibia are plankton'

Ben Dirs

BBC Sport

We can now refer to Japan as shining examples of David stunning Goliath at this Rugby World Cup, but Namibia are no Japan. (For those who've been in a darkened room since Saturday, Japan beat South Africa in their opener.)

BBC Sport's Ben Dirs writes: "If the early stages of this year's World Cup have taught us anything, it is that world rugby's accepted orthodoxy is under threat and that the game is evolving in ways few people predicted.

"But if Japan are minnows, what does that make Namibia? Plankton? A team at the mercy of world rugby's mighty currents and fodder for its biggest beasts."

You can read more on Ben Dirs' insight into the Namibian team by clicking here. 

Going underground

New Zealand aren't always travelling around the English capital in a beastly bus. This week some members of the squad, including Dan Carter who is rested tonight, sampled life on the Underground. Naturally, they only travel on the Northern Line. 

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Namibia have turned up, though many would have forgiven them for having second thoughts about facing the All Blacks at the Olympic Stadium tonight. 

Records to tumble?

For New Zealanders, it isn't a question of whether the All Blacks will win tonight - but which records will tumble. 

New Zealand website stuff.co.uk have cooked up a list of the records in their team's sights: most team points, largest winning margin, most team tries, and the list goes on and on. And on. Our antipodean friends are confident about this match. 

Which player holds the record for most tries in a match? That'll be All Black Marc Ellis who crossed the whitewash six times against Japan in 1995.