Boks, Fiji light up Twickenham … Samoa simmering: 3 talking points after final RWC warm-ups

The final warm-up matches for this year's Rugby World Cup took place this weekend with holders South Africa hammering New Zealand on Friday and Fiji stunning England among the standout results.

5 talking points | SA v NZ: Springbok pack destroyed All Blacks, history-making Marx

AFP Sport looks at three talking points after of the games:

Twickenham shocks

There were two huge surprises in west London in less than 24 hours as South Africa inflicted a record 35-7 defeat over New Zealand on Friday and then Fiji claimed a first win over England with a 30-22 victory on Saturday.

Three-time World Cup winners the All Blacks will drop down below the Springboks in the world rankings to fourth after the loss, but the gulf in quality, and strength in depth between the historic rivals was difficult to ignore.

Unlike New Zealand, England's expectations were low prior to the tournament and the defeat to the Pacific Islanders sent shockwaves around global rugby.

The visitors are considered as outsiders in Pool C, behind Australia and Wales, but now can be seen as serious contenders to reach the quarter-finals for a third time. Georgia could also cause problems alongside Fiji in the group. Despite losing 33-6 to Scotland, they had led 6-0 at the break.

Samoa simmering

Hours after their Pacific neighbours overcame England, Samoa ran leading World Cup contenders and Six Nations Grand Slam winners Ireland very close in Bayonne.

Seilala Mapusua's outfit led by a point with under 20 minutes remaining before losing 17-13 in the Basque Country but put their hands up as serious threats.

They will join struggling England in Pool C as well as Argentina, who eased past a second-string Spain and Japan, who lost at Italy.

Samoa's chances of a first