RUGBY TEST MATCH: Samoans Face Tough Test in Ireland

13.11.2010
Samoa v Ireland in Dublin

Venue: Aviva Stadium

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)

Preview
Samoa started their Northern tour with a 22-26 loss to Irish province, Connacht. Today the Samoans have made no less than fifteen changes to the run on side. This is a strong unit and the Islanders will be looking to take the Irish by surprise. Although a week or so together is not long enough, the Samoans will certainly be taking the game to the Irish. Expects spills, thrills and big hit. You probably won't get a great deal of combination and the set pieces have never been Samoa's strength. This is a vital tour for Samoa. This is the only time the full Samoan side will play this year.

Ireland slumped to defeat against South Africa and coach Kidney is not afraid to ring the changes. He has included some exciting new faces which may be just what this team needs. The Irish had a rather sad 6 Nations competition in 2010. A win here and a good show against the All Blacks next weekend is what is wanted. Can the Irish bounce back and produce?

Previous Encounters
20.06.2003 Ireland 40-12 in Apia
11.11.2001 Ireland 35-8 in Dublin
12.11.1996 Samoa 40-25 in Dublin
29.10.1988 Ireland 49-22 in Dublin

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Ireland 6th, Samoa 11th

IRB Rankings
Ireland 81.05 (6th), Samoa 74.02 (11th)

Prediction: Ireland by 14 points

Teams

Ireland
15 Luke Fitzgerald, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll,Capt. 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Denis Leamy, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements
16 Rory Best, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Stephen Ferris, 20 Isaac Boss, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Keith Earls.
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Samoa
15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 Kahn Fotualii, 8 George Stowers, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ofisa Trevarinus, 5 Kane Thompsen, 4 Filipo Lavea Levi, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger,Capt. 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements
16 Tii Paulo, 17 Simon Lemalu, 18 Iosefa Tekori, 19 Afa Aiono, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Gavin Williams, 22 Jamie Helleur.
Head Coach: Fuimaono Tafua