Andy Farrell’s Ireland team prepare for Rugby World Cup with clash against Samoa in Bayonne
Is this Ireland’s last game before the World Cup?
Indeed it is and the last opportunity for Irish players to impress Farrell before the World Cup. The final squad will be announced on Monday, August 28th, so performances are important for fringe players that get a chance. Farrell and his assistants are likely to make some, if not wholesale, changes to what was close to a full-strength side against England featuring a dozen players making their first start of the season.Samoa have been in decent form heading into the match with Ireland, finishing second in the Pacific Nations Cup. They beat Japan and Ireland’s pool opponents Tonga, while losing to Pacific Island rivals Fiji in their other game this month.
They have beaten Ireland once in seven previous encounters, but not since 1996. They are captained by Leinster prop Michael Ala’alatoa and have a number of players at French Top 14 clubs, while three of the players in the squad previously played for New Zealand. World number one side Ireland will be expected to win the match, but hope Samoa will provide a good warm-up to compare to their World Cup pool game against Tonga.Ireland were comfortable winners in their two previous games against England and Italy.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ireland must stay disciplined v Samoa and not focus on World Cup deadline'You just have to be so careful'
Read more »
Ireland 29 England 10: How the Irish players rated in World Cup warm-up winJohn O’Sullivan hands out the marks with Mack Hansen a deserved man of the match
Read more »
Player ratings: How Ireland fared against England in their World Cup send-offThe hosts scored five tries to England’s one in a 29-10 victory at the Aviva.
Read more »
Ireland's brilliant, creative back three central to World Cup hopesHugo Keenan, James Lowe, and Mack Hansen were excellent against England.
Read more »
Andy Farrell could reveal Ireland's World Cup squad to his players this week'All sorts could happen so keeping people connected is important - but we've obviously got a good idea of how that's going to unfold'
Read more »
Folau ruled out as Ireland's pool opponents Tonga name 32-man World Cup squadTonga boss Toutai Kefu has left one space open for an additional call-up closer to the tournament.
Read more »