Rugby: Springboks outclass Samoa

South Africa 35 Samoa 8

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa registered five tries to win a bruising encounter with Samoa 35-8 on Sunday (NZ time).

The Springboks used their entire bench as wing Ashwin Willemse, centre Wayne Julies, halfback Enrico Januarie and flanker Luke Watson all left the field through injury in the one-off test.

Captain and hooker John Smit scored the home team's first try after 19 minutes.

Wing JP Pietersen and fullback Francois Steyn also dived over to help the Springboks lead 23-3 at halftime.

Replacements Pedrie Wannenburg and Percy Montgomery then notched second-half tries to clinch victory for South Africa.

First five-eighths Derick Hougaard kicked a conversion and two penalties while Montgomery converted his own try.

Samoa's points came from a late try by wing Alesana Tuilaga and an early penalty by fullback Gavin Williams.

- REUTERS