Saints star Fotuali’i wary of wounded South Africa

Saints star Kahn Fotuali’i admits Japan have done his Samoa side no favours ahead of Saturday’s showdown with South Africa.
Kahn Fotuali'i (picture: Sharon Lucey)Kahn Fotuali'i (picture: Sharon Lucey)
Kahn Fotuali'i (picture: Sharon Lucey)

Japan caused one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Rugby World Cup by slaying the Springboks 34-32 in Brighton on Saturday.

It was a stunning result and one that has left South Africa, one of the pre-tournament favourites, battered and bruised.

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But scrum-half Fotuali’i, who helped Samoa to a 25-16 win against USA in Brighton on Sunday, is aware the Japanese win has not helped his team.

And he fully expects South Africa to be back to their best at Villa Park this weekend.

“The Springboks will be a wounded beast, yes, that’s for sure,” Fotuali’i said.

“Japan haven’t made it easier for us and this won’t be the last surprise of the tournament.

“We knew this pool would be tough and we were a bit rusty out there on Sunday.

“Yes, we’ll have to be better than that against South Africa.”