Namibia captain Jacques Burger has warned his players not to get hung up on the scoreline when they face New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup on Thursday.

The world number one All Blacks will take on Namibia - the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup - at London's Olympic Stadium, with Burger and Co. knowing they have almost no hope of victory against the reigning champions.

The 20th-ranked Namibians are a mix of professionals and local-based amateurs, with Burger - who plays with Saracens in the English Premiership - one of the key men in Phil Davies' squad.

Burger - a blindside flanker - has played 35 times for Namibia and 69  and will be ably supported by France-based duo lock PJ van Lill and fly-half Theuns Kotze.

While Japan's shock win over South Africa has prompted speculation of a similar upset in London on Thursday, Burger remains realistic about Namibia's chances against New Zealand.

"It's great to be up against the best. The excitement is through the roof with the boys," the 32-year-old said on Tuesday.

"All the hard work has been done, we're very excited to get this match going. It's more about the performance. Realistically you can't look at the scoreline.

"For us that would be a mistake. The best-case scenario, obviously, would be if we are in the match and there would be some very excited people around the world."

Namibia are the only team in Pool C yet to play in England, with the All Blacks having opened their defence of the World Cup with a 26-16 win over Argentina.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made 12 changes to his starting line-up for the clash with Namibia, with 23-year-old openside flanker Sam Cane named captain in place of regular skipper Richie McCaw, who will be on the bench.

In their four previous World Cup appearances, Namibia have never won a match, but Hansen is aware of the talents of the experienced Burger.

"He is a pretty special player," he said. "I think last tournament he was in the top five so to be able to do that in a team that was not always going forward as a loose forward, you have to be pretty good.

"He is totally committed. If you are going to be in his part of the park and you are carrying the ball then you'd better get ready to get smashed. You have to admire that in him.

"He has been around a long time so you have to admire his ability to stick around."