After promising so much, Samoa delivered a lot less at Suncorp Stadium as it went crashing out of the World Cup with a 60-10 loss to South Africa.

For a near-capacity crowd hoping to witness a Samoan upset the result was a disappointment but the 48,496 fans could not complain about the entertainment on offer.

True to their reputation, the Samoans flung the ball far and wide and produced several rib-rattling tackles but fundamental mistakes let them down badly.

Conversely, the Springboks were a class above in the set pieces with skipper Corne Krige justifiably praising his tight-five for laying the platform for the convincing victory.

The seven-tries-to-one thrashing was tainted, however, by a dramatic last-minute pitch invasion.

The intruder charged at replacement South African goalkicker Louis Koen as he was attempting to convert a late try on the right sideline.

He hit Koen just after the kick was made and the spectator appeared to be knocked out in the collision and was eventually stretchered off on a medi-cab.

Ironically, Koen, a late replacement for classy rookie flyhalf Derick Hougaard, landed the tough conversion.

Judging by 20-year-old Hougaard's 21-point display, including a try and six goals from as many attempts, it could be Koen's last start in the World Cup.

The Springboks are set to take on New Zealand in a quarter-final at Melbourne's Telstra Dome next weekend and on the basis of the youngster's efforts he will be integral to coach Rudolph Straeuli's plans.

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