Samoa ran hard, tackled harder and flirted with what would have been the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history before losing gallantly 35-22 to tournament co-favourite England at Telstra Dome.

The Samoans took only six minutes to become the first team to cross the English line at the 2003 RWC, led for the majority of the evening and celebrated afterwards with what must have been one of the longest-ever laps of honour by a losing side.

And if they can replicate this performance next Saturday in Brisbane they must stand every chance of beating the Springboks and advancing to the quarterfinals for the third time.

"We lost but we didn't lose through lack of commitment or lack of heart," said Samoan coach John Boe.

"I think that is the mark of Manu Samoa and has been for some time.

"But at the end of the day the better team won, they are the world's No.1 and I don't think it's any disgrace being beaten by them."

English superboot Jonny Wilkinson proved he was a mere mortal by missing two penalty goal attempts - one of them a sitter - in the opening half.

But it was a moment of brilliance from Wilkinson in the 70th minute that set up the four-tries-to-one victory.

His inch-perfect crossfield kick landed on the chest of flying winger Iain Balshaw, who crossed for England's third try and a 28-22 lead.

Four minutes later, replacement prop Phil Vickery iced the victory with his first international try, but the final margin of 13 points flattered England.

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