Samoa still believe they can escape the so-called Pool of Death and qualify for the Rugby World Cup knockout stages, despite a 17-10 loss to Wales in Hamilton on Sunday.
An Anthony Perenise try helped the Samoans to a 10-6 lead at the halftime break, raising hopes of a repeat of the side's famous 1991 World Cuo upset over the Red Dragons.
But ill-discipline and allowed first five Rhys Preistland to peg bag the deficit and a Shane Williams try stretched their lead to seven points.
While acknowledging they failed to take their chances in the match captain Mahonri Schwalger was still ruing a first half decision to disallow a try to flanker Maurie Faasavalu, because of a double movement.
"I asked the ref to go on the TMO but that was pretty harsh . That might be the turning point of the game. But there's some things you can't win so that's how things go so all we've gotta do now is just move on."
The result means Samoa now need to beat South Africa and Fiji and hope Wales lose to either Namibia or Fiji to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
Assistant Coach Aussie McLean says while it's a daunting challenge he's confident Samoa can give the Springboks a run for their money.
They probably should have lost to Wales, and we gave Wales a bit of a hurry up so, we think we'll be competitive. We just need to be a little more accurate. We did some really good things but probably our own inaccuracies let us down more than anything - I think we missed three tackles when they scored their try. We blew two tries I think in the first ten minutes so we're creating the opportunities but our inaccuracies are letting us down. I think we're going to have to do well in the last two games but the boys will be up for that.
Samoa play Fiji on Sunday.
Meanwhile Flying Fijians flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu has been cited for a dangerous tackle during their loss to South Africa on Saturday.
