New scrum half signing Jeremy Su’a helped Samoa to a 27-17 over Scotland and new Worcester team-mate Euan Murray in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
The Pacific Islanders – who started with recent signing Su’a in the No.9 short – thoroughly deserved the win, outscoring their opponents by three tries to one to make the best possible start to the quadrangular tournament that also features South Africa an Italy.
James So'oialo also touched down for Samoa while Greig Laidlaw's goalkicking kept Scotland in the game and Sean Lamont's try put them briefly ahead. However, Alesana Tuilagi sealed the win for Samoa when he crossed again as they beat Scotland for the first time.
The teams had met eight times previously with the Scots winning seven and drawing one back in 1995, but the recent games have been tight and this time Samoa had what it took to get over the finishing line.