When the opponents you face next were on the wrong end of a 105-13 beating in your last match against them, it is natural to be diplomatic. But the Boks have let slip some ambitions for today's game.

They have talked up Namibia, their opponents today in a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at the North Harbour stadium.

But they also know Namibia will be a perfect sparring partner as the Boks attempt to improve their continuity.

"We can hold onto the ball better, we want to play in a more direct style, we can work harder at being more direct against the opposition," said assistant coach Gary Gold of today's objectives.

Pat Lambie, who will again be at fullback, is in full agreement.

"We have to earn the right to go wide. One of our strengths is to be direct. We need to do that before we take the ball wide."

The confidence the Springboks displayed on the ball last week in beating Fiji 49-3 increased hope that they are ready to change from their usual kick-and-defend game.

Namibia may be pushovers, but the days of putting 100 points past them could be long gone. They may not possess a stellar cast but they have been forged as a team in the Vodacom Cup. They have players who ply their trade in South Africa and others who hold their own in European clubs. Skipper Jacques Burger plays for Saracens, Jacques Niewenhuis for Aurillac in France and Casper Viviers, not involved today, for French club Agen.

Burger, a former Blue Bull, was roped in at Saracens as replacement for Wikus van Heerden who returned to the Lions. The 28-year old flank was voted Saracens' player of the year in 2011.

Fullback Chrysander Botha campaigned for the Falcons, Connie Marais played for the Pumas, while Theuns Kotze excelled for UJ in the Varsity Cup.

Springbok Gio Aplon, who today gets his first chance in the World Cup, played koshuis rugby with Namibian centre Danie van Wyk when they were both at Stellenbosch. He and Llewellyn Winckler were together in the Matie team during the Varsity Cup a few years ago. Rohan Kitshoff has also turned out for Western Province.