Samoa has kicked off its Rugby World Cup in winning fashion as Italy and Fiji posted their first wins of the tournament.

Samoa combined their extravagant passing game and raw athleticism to demolish Uruguay 60-13 at Subiaco Oval.

The Pacific Islanders ran in 10 tries to two on in front of a healthy crowd of 22,000 to move into third place in pool C behind heavyweights England and South Africa.

Veteran centre Brian Lima, playing in his fourth World Cup, and flanker Maurie Fa'asavalu both grabbed two tries, with wingers Sailosi Tagicakibau, Lome Fa'atau, Dominic Feaunati, prop Simon Lemalu, fullback Tanner Vili and lock Opeta Palepoi also crossing the Uruguayan line.

Earlier, Italy kept alive its dream of making its first World Cup quarter-final with a 36-12 victory over Tonga at Canberra Stadium.

The win fulfilled Italy's first goal of its campaign and coach John Kirwan believes his side is now ready to challenge Wales for the second quarter-final berth from Pool D.

New Zealand is a shoo-in for the top spot and Canada seems unlikely to be a serious contender after losing 41-10 to Wales on Sunday.

New Zealand-born Italian Rima Wakarua was the hero for Italy, racking up 21 points on debut, while centre Manuel Dallan and his brother Denis scored Italy's three tries.

The Dallans were one of three sets of brothers playing in the match - Milton and Johnny Ngauamo and Inoke and Stanley Afeaki from Tonga being the others.

It was the first time three sets of brothers had taken the field in a Test since 1961.

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