THE wait was almost over for Samoa yesterday after they announced the team for their World Cup opener against Namibia in Rotorua. The Pacific Island nation named an unchanged line-up from the one that rattled the rugby establishment two months ago beating Australia 32-23, and become the first team at this World Cup to field the same side as played their final warm-up.

Samoan fullback Paul Williams, son of former All Black winger Bryan Williams, told reporters in Rotorua the team was looking forward to starting their campaign tomorrow.

“We’ve had a good build-up but we’re rugby players and we like to be playing rugby, not training,” he said.

The Samoan starting line-up has just four players remaining from the team that started their final match in the 2007 tournament, a 25-21 win against the United States. But one of those returning players is giant winger Alesana Tuilagi, who was so impressive against Australia in July, and Williams is backing him to make an impact in this World Cup.