While the form guide may suggest South Africa and Wales are the favourites to reach the knockout stages from Pool D, Samoa will fancy their chances of repeating famous World Cup upsets.
Wales and South Africa will certainly not underestimate the danger of the Samoans, especially after the Islanders stunned the Wallabies in Sydney last month with their physical style and desire to succeed.
A standout performer that day was Alesana Tuilagi, one of five brothers to have played international rugby all for Samoa bar the youngest Manu who is England’s RWC 2011 squad, who will be a threat with his size and pace.
Samoa also have strategists such as Seilala Mapusua, bound for Japan after the World Cup but until recently a key member of London Irish’s midfield. If he needs some help to plot defensive strategy, he can always turn to fellow centre, Gloucester’s Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, who was a practising lawyer before turning professional.
Second row Daniel Leo is another with experience of England’s top flight from his time with Wasps, while Toulouse prop Census Johnston, previously with Saracens, will not concede much ground to anyone.
While Samoa have a reputation for their direct, confrontational style, wing David Lemi, at 175cm and 75kg, is one of the smaller players to feature at the tournament, but possesses speed and guile in abundance.
South Africamay prove a step too far for Samoa, their match is the Islanders’ final fixture, when quarter-final qualification could come down to bonus points in what promises to be one of the tightest pools.
Samoa squad for RWC 2011:
Forwards: Ole Avei, Maurie Faasavalu, Census Johnston, Filipo Lavea Levi, Daniel Leo, Logovi’i Mulipola, Ti’i Paulo, Anthony Perenise, Manaia Salavea, Mahonri Schwalger, George Stowers, Sakaria Taulafo, Joe Tekori, Kane Thompson, Ofisa Treviranus, Taiasina Tuifua.
Backs: Kahn Fotuali’i, David Lemi, Johhny Leota, Seilala Mapusua, Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Tasesa Lavea, Augustino Poluleuligaga, George Pisi, Tusi Pisi, James So’oialo, Jeremy Sua, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams.
