South Africa rebound with bruising 46-6 win over Samoa

South Africa thrashed Samoa and ensured their superiority throughtout the matches

After their shock defeat against Japan in their opening match, South Africa rebounded from that loss by beating Samoa 46-6 in their Pool B match in Birmingham. However, it came at a cost though, as the Springboks were left to count the number of casualties from the match.

Springboks captain Jean De Villiers was amongst them as he was sent to a nearby hospital for an X-ray. Along with De Villiers, the towering Eben Etzebeth was also among those who had to be replaced.

Samoa started well and took an early 6-4 lead when Mike Stanley scored two penalties and it looked like another tricky day at the office for South Africa. The Springboks though, came back into the match after an error from Stanley handed them a way back into the match. His misjudged pass was picked off by JP Pietersen who touched down for South Africa’s first try and what would be the first of his three.

Fly-half Handre Pollard converted four penalties in the first half as Schalk Burger and later Schalk Brits and Bryan Habana came to the party later. Habana, with his try today, notched up his world cup goal tally to 11, just four short of Jonah Lomu’s record of 15.

If anyone had doubts as to South Africa's readiness in terms of being a title contender, then this win would go a long way in silencing those critics. They were keen to defeat Samoa and it showed in their approach to the game, as they were playing with great internsity and renewed focus. Despite Samoa coming back to try and get back on level terms, they weren't able to get enough points to trouble South Africa.

Samoa next play Japan at Milton Keynes next Saturday while the Springboks will play Scotland at St. James’ Park in Newcastle on the same day.