Samoa's Rugby World Cup campaign had a successful launch with their best ever win against the USA.
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However, the Pacific Islanders were a little downbeat after their 25-16 Pool B victory over the Eagles in Brighton on Sunday afternoon.
Samoa's fifth triumph in five matches against U.S.A had none of the drama of the previous day's epic win by Japan over South Africa, a match that has ignited the tournament. By comparison their beating of the Americans had a touch of After the Lord Mayor's Show about it.
Kahn Fotuali'i, the Samoa scrum-half, and his teammates did not watch the Japan's stunning defeat of the two-time world champions live on television but he was acutely aware of its significance.
The Samoans' next game is against the South Africans at Villa Park on Sunday morning.
"The Springboks will be a wounded beast, yes, that's for sure. Japan haven't made it easier for us and this won't be the last surprise of the tournament," Fotuali'i said.
"We knew this pool would be tough and we were a bit rusty out there. Yes, we'll have to be better than that against South Africa."
Fotuali'i, who plays his club rugby in England for Northampton, may have to grapple with Victor Matfield, who is joining the team after the World Cup, although South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer is sure to ring the changes in Birmingham and, like everyone involved in the debacle against the Japanese, the 38-year-old lock is not certain to retain his place in the side.
The Springboks will give Samoa a physical test, as did U.S.A from the opening minute in Brighton when centre Thretton Palamo, a threat to Samoa's defence all afternoon with his straight running, went crashing into opposite number Reynold Lee-Lo, a collision that left the latter dazed and confused.
But in the likes of Alesana Tuilagi, who made some storming runs and Census Johnston, impressive after coming off the bench, Samoa are hardly shrinking violets.
They will also have Kane Thompson, banned for two games after being sent off for punching in last month's warm-up defeat by the Barbarians, back to add ballast to their scrum and height to a lineout that looks more sure-footed, thanks in part to the coaching of London Irish's George Skivington.
There was also a brilliant Rugby World Cup debut in their opening match from full-back Tim Nanai-Williams, the former New Zealand schools and sevens player who last autumn decided to swap black for blue and join Samoa's World Cup adventure.
Nanai-Williams scored the opening try and, given a licence to roam, he will cause defences a lot of trouble in the next month.
Samoa coach Stephen Betham said: "He brings a bit of unpredictability to our side.
We've seen it in the Super-15s and he gave us that today. There will be a backlash from the Springboks but we'll be ready for them."
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