South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer wary of Samoa threat

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer says his side must be fully aware of the threat posed by Samoa if they are to avoid further World Cup embarrassment.

The Springboks have spent the week since their shock 34-32 loss to Japan promising redemption for their humiliating opening to the World Cup. 

They are heavily fancied to bounce back at Villa Park against the small Pacific Island nation, who they have beaten in all eight previous meetings.

But Meyer insists his team will need to be at their very best if they are to kick start their World Cup campaign.

"Samoa are the type of team that can beat any team they play against," he said. 

"They are probably the most physical team to play against. They've improved their scrummaging, they are now also starting to maul, they've improved their line-out play and they've got game breakers.

"If they get on the front foot and you give them space it will be a long day for us. I expect a battle until the last minute."

South Africa will also attempt to turn back to their tried and tested approach with relentless forward play and kicking.

"There is no point playing pretty rugby. In a World Cup it's only the victories that matter," added Meyer, who made eight changes to his team.

Samoa coach Stephen Betham insists his side are under no illusions of the task facing them in Birmingham on Saturday. 

"We are expecting major warfare," he said. "You can't come to war with your hands in your pockets.

"We always expected South Africa to be our toughest opponent in the group and we are expecting that to be no different, even after what happened to them against Japan."

Betham also said he was seeking discipline, a strong work ethic and better contests in tight play from his side.

"I think the first 15 minutes will be crucial. If we don't stay in with them, then it could turn out to be a long day at the office," Betham added.

Teams:

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Victor Matfield, 6 Francois Louw, 7 Schalk Burger, 8 Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 JP Pietersen.

Samoa: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Ken Pisi , 13 Paul Perez, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Mike Stanley, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 1 Sakaria Taulafo, 2 Motu Matu'u, 3 Anthony Perenise, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 5 Iosefa Tekori, 6 TJ Ioane, 7 Jack Lam, 8 Ofisa Treviranus (c).

Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Viliamu Afatia, 18 Census Johnston, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Vavae Tuilagi, 21 Vavao Afemai, 22 Tusi Pisi, 23 George Pisi.