Hougaard - all-round performance (Getty Images)

By Frank Malley, PA Chief Sports Writer, Brisbane

South Africa set their sights on a potential World Cup heavyweight showdown with New Zealand after ending Samoa's Australian adventure.

Provided the All Blacks beat Wales on Sunday - and England do not lose to Uruguay - then two of rugby union's super-powers will collide in Melbourne next Saturday.

The Springboks scored eight tries in crushing Samoa 60-10 at Suncorp Stadium, with their exciting fly-half prospect Derick Hougaard amassing 21 points.

And while Samoa now go home, South Africa can prepare with confidence for a clash of two former world champions.

"We came close against the All Blacks in our Tri-Nations game in Dunedin, but hopefully this time, we will have a little luck," said Springboks coach Rudolf Straeuli.

And skipper Corne Krige added: "I think we are a little better-equipped now than we were in Dunedin.

"It's a massive game, do or die, but it is a pity that one of two big countries have to go out."

Straeuli was totally justified through his selection of 20-year-old Hougaard above the more-experienced Louis Koen.

Hougaard played like a seasoned campaigner, contributing a try, drop-goal, penalty and five conversions. He even got up and dusted himself down from a gruesome Brian Lima tackle midway through the second period.

"That was the hardest tackle that I've taken in my life," reflected Hougaard. "But I am still breathing, so that is a good sign.

"It is an awesome feeling for me to play in this team. You really look forward to playing with these guys, and it's great to play behind that pack of forwards."

South Africa's forward power took a heavy toll on the Samoans, and the game was wrapped up at half-time through a 31-3 lead established by tries from Hougaard, flanker Joe van Niekerk, centre Jorrie Muller and number eight Juan Smith.

Samoa offered fleeting glimpses of their trademark adventure, but an early second-half touchdown for lock Opeta Palepoi was as good as it got.

Straeuli has one or two injury concerns though, with van Niekerk (knee), prop Christo Bezeuidenhout (knee) and lock Victor Matfield (ankle) all casualties.

"We always knew this tournament would provide a tough draw for us, but we are improving. We have a world-class pack, with strength in depth, and we are confident in our ability," Straeuli said.

But he added: "We are looking at the consistency of decision-making on technical infringements. We seem to get warned a lot, but other teams' technical infringements don't get picked up.

"Against us in Perth, I thought that England got away with it."

Samoa brought much to the World Cup party, but this was a game too far.

The rapturous farewell they received though, from a 48,500 Suncorp Stadium crowd at full-time, said everything.

And both teams formed a circle at the end amid touching scenes, saying a prayer together.

"Quite honestly, the England match last weekend took it out of our guys. We were flat today, mentally and physically," said Samoan coach John Boe.

"It is a shame that we are departing on this note. We are disappointed that we let our fans down a little bit, and it was a reality check for us.

"But we've had a wonderful time here - the players have had the time of their lives. We now go away to all different parts of the world.

"If we could get a team in the Super 12 competition, then fantastic. It would enable us to pay our players and keep our players, and we would never look back."