Samoa began their charge for a first Rugby World Cup quarter-final berth in 20 years with victory over USA in Pool B this afternoon.
Le Manu had never lost to the Eagles in four previous meetings and extended that run to five thanks to a 25-16 victory which takes them top of the group.
Tim Nanai-Williams scored the first of two Samoa tries at Brighton's Amex Stadium and was named man of the match in his first-ever World Cup game.
Sports Mole caught up with the cousin of New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams after the match.
© AFP
A win to start the tournament, how is the team feeling after that?
"It's always a good feeling when you win so the boys are buzzing after that first game. We've still got a lot of things to work on for next week, but we'll take the win."
It's a win, but you weren't perhaps at your best today. What do you need to improve next week against South Africa?
"I guess just little things. It's more individual than the team and if we can get our execution right then we'll have a chance. We've just got to nail down the little things and if we get it right we'll be fine.
"We do have to make better choices. Against South Africa we have to take our opportunities and if we don't, we'll be punished."
Your coach Stephen Betham has just said that Japan's win over South Africa yesterday might have taken the element of surprise away from you for next week. How much do you think that it could hurt your chances against the Springboks?
"Well we were always going to be underdogs. Japan had a great win over South Africa and we know the Springboks are going to come out firing. We love a physical game though and we're going to bring it. Like I said, if we get the little things right then I don't see why we can't win."
Have you had a chance to watch Japan's win? Is there anything you can learn from their performance?
"I'm not actually much of a rugby-watcher to be honest! I saw the highlights and I know some of their players. They were very fit and turned up to play. When you do that, anyone can win."
With the group wide open now, do you fancy going through in first place?
"We've come to this tournament not to come second. Every team has come here to place first and give themselves a good chance to win the World Cup."
On a personal level, you scored the first try and were named man of the match. You must be pleased?
"Yeah I had to pinch myself after the game after scoring. I'm just at the end of the chain picking up the plums, but collectively as a team it's great for us to get a win and hopefully we can get a few more."
It's your first World Cup. How have you enjoyed the experience so far?
"I'm loving it! We've been together for five weeks and finally the first game has come and we won. It's unreal - I just look around and try to soak everything in, but not get too nervous and focus on my job."
Pascal Lemesre
