Worcester wing David Lemi captained Samoa to a dramatic 26-19 win over Wales at Cardiff on Friday night.
Having lost to Argentina, interim coach Robert Howley demanded a response from his players. But they were still no match for Lemi’s inspired Islanders for whom Fa'atoina Autagavaia, George Pisi and Johnny Leota scored tries.
Ashley Beck scored a long-range Wales intercept and Leigh Halfpenny's boot added the rest of their points.
New Worcester signing Euan Murray started for Scotland as they suffered their fourth straight defeat at Murrayfield against South Africa.
A typically bullish Springboks outfit led 14-3 at half-time, hooker Adriaan Strauss scoring the only try.
Strauss scored again after the break and while replacement scrum-half Henry Pyrgos crossed for the hosts, South Africa's defence kept Scotland at bay to run out 21-10 winners. Defeat means Scotland will finish the year outside the world's top eight.
Worcester centre Ravai Fatiaki started the game for Fiji but endured a difficult afternoon as Ulster winger Craig Gilroy scored three tries as Ireland's young side proved too strong in the uncapped international at Thomond Park in a 53-0 win.
Gilroy snapped up the first try in the 10th minute and fellow winger Fergus McFadden then got over for the second. Hooker Sean Cronin battled over for the third try and centre Darren Cave weaved his way through on 31 minutes.
McFadden got his second try soon after the interval and Gilroy scored two more with Luke Marshall completing the rout.