The South African charm offensive that has been working so well throughout the Rugby World Cup is again in full swing when Springbok coach Peter De Villiers said the Samoans are a revelation in world rugby.

De Villiers said Samoa were in some of the minds of the people, a minnow, but he said they are not anymore.

While the Springboks had a relaxed weekend, Samoa underlined De Villiers's statement by securing the 27-7 victory over Fiji in Auckland.

The win, however came at a price as they lost star flyhalf Tusi Pisi to a hamstring injury in the second half.

But the Samoan medical team said they are confident Pisi would be ready to face South Africa on Friday night as he did not tear the muscle.

De Villiers's compliments did not stop there, as he went on to say that Samoa were New Zealand's second team and that there are very few differences between them and the No 1 ranked side in the world.

Australia's recent defeat to Ireland ensured that the Springboks passed them in the IRB's world rankings.

The move into second place on the log, behind the All Blacks, had boosted morale in the Springbok camp.

De Villiers said that he had said in June that South Africa did not come to NZ as number one.

He said they came to NZ as number three and want to leave the RWC as number one.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi