South Africa 59 Samoa 7:Fleet-footed South Africa left wing Bryan Habana scored four tries on Sunday as the Springboks opened their World Cup campaign by beating a rugged Samoa side 59-7.
South Africa top Pool A after gaining the bonus point which eluded defending champions England in their 28-10 win over the United States on Saturday. The teams meet in the pivotal pool clash on Friday.
The Springboks displayed a heady mix of power and skill on the Parc des Princes pitch and promise to give the defending champions a tough time next Friday at the Stade de France.
Eight tries including four from Habana, who equalled Chester Williams' national World Cup record set against Samoa in 1995, and two from fullback Percy Montgomery as well as 19 points from Montgomery's accurate boot gave South Africa the start they wanted.
Samoa, who had never lost their first game in four previous World Cup appearances, put up a brave challenge in a hotly contested first half but collapsed after changing ends trailing 21-7. They had to be content with a first-half try from centre Gavin Williams and his conversion.
The Springboks rushed forward immediately and were rewarded by a penalty which Montgomery converted to give his side an early lead.
A few punches flew in the opening stages, as if the robust Samoans wanted to make clear to their prestigious opponents that they would have to fight for victory.
The 1995 world champions did just that, sustained pressure resulting in a another Montgomery penalty for a 6-0 lead after 10 minutes.
Samoa were still in contention at that stage and Williams tried his luck with a distant penalty but failed.
Montgomery soon earned one too and did not miss, keeping the Boks in control.
Then, following a lineout, Williams perforated the Springboks' defence to score the first try of the match which he converted to put the Samoans just two points back on the scoreboard after 18 bruising minutes.
South Africa's response came in the form of a work of art by Habana, who elusively twisted his way past five Samoans for a superb try which Montgomery failed to convert.
A succession of scrums near the tryline followed with the massive South African forwards wearing down their opponents before sparking a move which ended with a try by Montgomery, whose conversion gave the Springboks their halftime lead.
Samoa came back fighting and were denied a try for offside early in the second half.
The Springboks, however, did not panic and soon took full command, penetrating the Samoan defence almost at will with tries in quick succession from centre Jaque Fourie, Montgomery and Habana.
Centre Brian Lima then came on for Samoa, becoming the first player to take part in five World Cups.
Even that could not help the Pacific Islanders, two more Habana tries and one from fellow winger JP Pietersen completing the demolition.
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