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Ireland
47
Match Complete
Samoa
5
| J. Carbery |  | 71 | ||
| A. Conway |  | 69 | ||
| J. Carbery | | 66 | ||
| C. Stander | | 64 | ||
| J. Sexton | | 49 | ||
| J. Larmour | | 47 | ||
| J. Sexton | | 38 | ||
| 25 | | J. Lam | ||
| J. Sexton | | 22 | ||
| J. Sexton | | 20 | ||
| J. Sexton | | 10 | ||
| T. Furlong | | 8 | ||
| J. Sexton | | 4 | ||
| R. Best | | 3 |
| 7 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
Ireland finished off the pools stage with a dominant 42-point win over Samoa.
Final score
Ireland 47
Samoa 5
Ireland meet Samoa in their final Pool A match before the knockout stages begin. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 9:45pm (AEDT).
World Rugby has confirmed that this match will go ahead as planned despite the extreme weather affecting parts of Japan.
The two nations have met five times – although this is the first time they have played each other at the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland lead the head-to-head record 4-1, with the Pacific Islanders landing one victory at Lansdowne Road in 1996.
Ireland can confirm their place in the quarter-finals with a bonus-point victory. Anything less would result in a nervous wait for the result of the final Pool A fixture between Scotland and Japan in Yokohama.
Japan currently top the group with 14 points, Ireland are second on 11 while Scotland are in third on 10 points. All three sides can still make it to the quarter-finals, in either first or second place.
A decision on whether Scotland-Japan will even go ahead won’t be made until Sunday morning. If that match happens, the permutations of the result are somewhat complex.
One of many possible scenarios is that Ireland could go out of the tournament if they defeat Samoa but score fewer than four tries.
That would depend on Scotland claiming a five-point win over Japan, with the hosts receiving a losing bonus-point.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding this weekend’s fixtures the task for Ireland is straightforward.
“From our point of view [playing a day earlier] probably makes it easier,” said captain Rory Best.
“We go out, we play our game and you assume the game goes ahead on Sunday. If it doesn’t we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
If Ireland do qualify for the last eight, they are now certain to face either New Zealand or South Africa in Tokyo.
Team news
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has made 11 changes for the final Pool A clash with Robbie Henshaw making his tournament debut after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray will form the experienced half back partnership. Iain Henderson and James Ryan are partnered in the second row. Jordan Larmour starts at full back while Tadhg blindside flanker with Peter O’Mahony on the bench.
Steve Jackson makes just two changes to his Samoa side for their final game in Fukuoka, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Teofilo Paulo coming in to the pack. Tim Nanai-Williams is available to feature at full back despite a blow to the head sustained in controversial circumstances against Japan. Tusi Pisi (57) needs six points to become the leading point-scorer for Samoa in Rugby World Cup history
Forecast
Temperatures of up to 25 degrees with a chance of rain – it’s unlikely to be as humid as Shizuoka and Kobe.
Prediction
The build-up to this match has been overshadowed by Typhoon Hagibis and concerns over the Hakatanomori Stadium pitch.
It’s unfortunate but I think this intriguing clash could end up being one of the highlights of the World Cup.
Samoa are out but will want to end their campaign on a high. Ireland are not alone as a side looking for a confidence boost ahead of the knockouts, should they get there.
Bundee Aki could be key for the Irish. The Auckland born centre can be the catalyst for victory with his big runs and carries.
The 29-year-old was instrumental in Ireland’s win over the All Blacks in November. Samoa have played well in patches and their backline is a tough nut to crack. I see it going close but Ireland will get the job done.
Ireland by 10
Join The Roar from 9:45pm (AEDT) for the play by play.
When: 9:45pm (AEDT)
Where: Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka
TV: Fox Sports, Kayo
Betting: Ireland $1.02, Samoa $17.00
Ireland
Jordan Larmour, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Cian Healy, Rory Best (capt), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery, Andrew Conway.
Samoa
Tim Nanai-Williams, Ah See Tuala, Alapati Leiua, Henry Taefu, Ed Fidow, UJ Seuteni, Dwayne Polataivao, Logovi’i Mulipola, Seilala Lam, Michael Alaalatoa, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Le’aupepe, Chris Vui, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam (capt).
Replacements: Ray Niuia, Paul Alo-Emile, Jordan Lay, Piula Fa’asalele, Josh Tyrell, Pele Cowley, Tusi Pisi, Kieron Fonotia.
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.