Van Niekerk's opening try against Samoa (Getty Images)

By Andrew Baldock, PA Sport, Brisbane

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Michael Jones today called for top-level discussions to thrash out a future for Samoan international rugby.

The South Sea Islanders' World Cup dream was destroyed by South Africa in a one-sided Pool C eliminator at Suncorp Stadium.

But Samoa's 60-10 defeat could not mask the impact they made on a tournament that would have been much the poorer without their happy-go-lucky presence.

Neither coach John Boe nor assistant Jones know when Samoa will play next, yet both men are determined that momentum built up during the World Cup campaign should not be lost.

"We have a very big wish-list, but I would also like some very real solutions," said Jones.

"Involvement in the Super 12 competition and more Test matches have been mentioned, but at the end of the day, my wish is that something is done.

"There is a need to come around the table and discuss things with some of the key movers and shakers. New Zealand are our big brothers, so let's have some discussion and see where it takes us."

Samoa's World Cup was affected by several players being absent due to contractual commitments with the New Zealand Rugby Union, while others felt they could not afford the financial burden of putting club jobs in England on hold.

"We now again go to all parts of the world," said Boe. "And hopefully next year, we will get back together.

"I don't know what the schedule is, but things are getting shakier as time goes on.

"If we could get a team in the Super 12, then that would be fantastic. We could pay our players, extend our player pool and play like we did against England every week. We need funds, whether it be gate fees or whatever.

"To play a Test match like England at Twickenham would be absolutely fantastic, but it is not only the money. We need something for our players to aspire to.

"Our playing pool is drying up, and I would say again why can't the players (Samoan-qualified) in New Zealand who are not going to be All Blacks, play for us?" he added.

"They could still play Super 12 and National Provincial Championship rugby in New Zealand. It is a shame for those players, and it is killing us."

While the Samoan squad began planning homeward journeys today, they could leave safe in the knowledge that they provided some unforgettable World Cup moments.

Skipper Semo Sititi's 50-metre try against Georgia will live long in the memory, and Brian 'The Chiropractor' Lima produced such a ferociously legal tackle on Springboks fly-half Derick Hougaard that a 48,000 crowd gasped on all six occasions the giant video screens replayed it.

Ultimately though, Samoa had nothing left in the tank following their heroic display against England six days earlier.

"I think the England match did take a lot out of the boys mentally and physically, but don't take anything away from South Africa - they played fantastic rugby," said Boe.

"It was a bit of a reality check for us. We are not used to playing at such an intensity."

Hopefully, the future can be a bright one for Samoa. They play rugby as it should be played, and the sport cannot afford to lose them.