After last week’s disappointing start to their Autumn International campaign, Ireland were looking to their second fixture against Samoa to improve their performance and end their losing streak. Yet despite Ireland coming away with a 20 – 10 win, they often struggled to contain the current Pacific Cup champions who pushed Ireland to their limits for the entire match.
A Samoan infringement two minutes after kick off provided Ronan O’Gara with the perfect opportunity to edge his side in front. As the ball slotted easily between the posts, it looked like Ireland’s fortunes from their match against South Africa, had improved. Ireland 3 – Samoa 0
However, it wasn’t long before the Samoans showed the strength and power within their team as they stole the lineout from Ireland and Tommy Bowe chased Alesana Tuilagi down the field before bundling him into touch to prevent Samoa a try.
With Ireland forced back to their own 22, Luke Fitzgerald managed to steal the ball and kicked deep into Samoa’s half. Fitzgerald was quick on the chase and as Ireland slowly crept their way towards the oppositions’ 22, a series of pick and drives set Jamie Heaslip up nicely to score the opening try of the match 18 minutes in. Ronan O’Gara added the conversion, stretching his sides lead even further. Ireland 10 – Samoa 0
Five minutes later, a gap in Ireland’s defence was spotted by Seilala Mapusua who quickly offloaded to Alesana Tuilagi, allowing him to run straight through and score – quite spectualrly – under the posts. Samoan fullback, Paul Williams, successfully converted the try and once again the points difference remained three. Ireland 10 – Samoa 7
After the explosive and high tempo opening to the match, the pace slowed down as Ireland continually struggled in the scrum, with Tom Court and John Hayes being penalised on more than one occasion. It was only on the half-hour mark, that the referee gave a decision in Ireland’s favour and O’Gara immediately opted for the posts. His kick was on target and widened the lead for his team. Ireland 13 – Samoa 7
Samoa had most of the territory and possession coming up to the half-time whistle, but nothing came of the chances they made and as the first 40 minutes came to an end, Ireland headed into the changing rooms with a narrow lead over the visitors.
Half-time score: Ireland 13 – Samoa 7
As both teams re-emerged onto the field into the poor weather conditions, Samoa continued to dominate the scrum area as Ireland committed a number of infringements and 55 minutes into the game, Williams opted to kick for goal and narrow the point’s deficit. He was once again on target. Ireland 13 – Samoa 10
The hour mark signalled the first of Ireland’s substitutions being made with Cian Healy and Rory Best replacing John Hayes and Sean Cronin, respectively. As Ireland’s scrum found more stability after the restart, Samoa began to struggle and as Donnacha O’Callaghan jumped on a loose ball from the base of the scrum, he broke away from the opposition and kicked downfield.
Ulster’s Stephen Ferris chased the kick, putting pressure on the Samoans and causing them to infringe at the breakdown. Peter Stringer then cleverly decided to take a quick tap penalty which set O’Gara up perfectly to slide under the posts for Ireland’s second try. O’Gara added the conversion to give his team a clear lead over the opposition. Ireland 20 – Samoa 10.
With a newfound confidence, Ireland were once again pressurising the Samoans deep into their own half and it looked like prop Cian Healy was certain to score a third try for the home side, only for the TMO to decide he had been held up as he dived over the Samoa’s try line. As the clock reached 80 minutes, O’Gara kicked the ball into touch, signalling Ireland’s first – yet scrappy win – in their Autumn International series.
Full-time score: Ireland 20 – Samoa 10
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