Rugby World Cup
Japan's shock win over South Africa 'gives Tier 1 nations a wake-up call', says Samoa coach
Rob Bartlett
September 20, 2015
Springboks coach was arrogant
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Samoa head coach Stephen Betham believes Japan's historic Rugby World Cup victory over South Africa will give the game's big boys a wake-up call.

Japan claimed one of the biggest scalps ever in world rugby with a 34-32 triumph over the Springboks in Brighton on Saturday. Twenty-four hours on, after watching his side defeat the USA in the same stadium, Samoa coach Betham said the game's biggest powers will feel the shockwaves for years to come.

"The Tier 1 nations have got a wake-up call from yesterday," Betham said. "Our surprise factor has gone."

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Ayumu Goromaru of Japan celebrates scoring his teams during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Ayumu Goromaru of Japan celebrates scoring his teams second try. © Getty Images
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Despite a promising 25-16 victory over the Eagles in their Pool B opener, Betham fears a backlash from South Africa when they clash in Birmingham on Saturday.

"They will come with all guns blazing," Betham said. "We are looking for consistency, we haven't quite reached that. We play well and then below average. We will take the win and move on from here. We've got a lot to do before next weekend."

However, there were positives to take to Villa Park next weekend. Betham was impressed by the discipline shown by his side at the Brighton Community Stadium, particularly considering Kane Thompson's red card against the Barbarians in their final warm-up game.

"This is one of the first games we've played without having anyone sent off," he added. "If we can keep 15 players on the pitch we have a chance against them."

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