Ireland will be looking for a much improved performance against Samoa at their revamped home ground in Dublin, after a disappointing 23-21 loss to the Springboks in their first match at the impressive new stadium.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney rung the changes for the match with a number of the fringe players being given an opportunity to cement themselves in the first team for the remainder of the year-end Test matches.
Among the changes there is an all new front row consisting of John Hayes, Sean Cronin and Tom Court that has a great opportunity to impress the coach, after the Boks outscrummed last weekend’s panel.
Kidney has also backed his vastly experienced halfback combination of Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara to do duty and prove they still have what it takes to play at the highest level ahead of next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
The Samoans will be no pushovers, as the country is a proud rugby nation with a reputation for ferocious bone-crunching tackling that leaves their opponents with plenty of bumps and bruises in the aftermath of a Test match.
The legendary Brian Lima aka ‘The Chiropractor’ is an infamous example of the kind of tackling the Samoans are capable of (just ask former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard!).
The Pacific Islanders have two powerful wings in Wasps’ David Lemi and Alesana Tuilagi, who played for Leicester in the 2009 European Cup final and are well acquainted with northern hemisphere conditions.
Samoa’s major problem is that the team don’t play together often enough, with the top players spread all over the world, but they have the physical ability to beat a number of the top sides on their day.
No doubt a weakened Irish side will inspire Samoa to produce a big performance and send out a message that teams need to field a full strength side whenever they visit.
Players to watch:
For Ireland the inspirational skipper Brian O’Driscoll will want to return to the kind of form he is famous for now that his injuries are behind him, so expect to see his dancing feet sliding through a tackle or two. Ronan O’Gara made an impact off the bench against the Boks and will be eager to snatch the No.10 jersey away from Jonathan Sexton with a good outing against the Islanders. For Samoa fullback Paul Williams is an experienced campaigner with a deadly boot and he won’t be afraid to run the ball from deep, while powerful wings David Lemi and Alesana Tuilagi are more than happy to run through tacklers rather than around them.
Head to Head: Irish scrumhalf Peter Stringer may be the smallest man on the field, but his service to the backline could prove to be crucial. Stringer’s pass isn’t as fast as it used to be, but the veteran hasn’t given up hope of going to another World Cup. Stringer’s opposite number Kahn Fotuali’i will want to continue with his excellent year, after he started ahead of All Black No.9 Andy Ellis at the Crusaders during the Super 14. The battle between the two No.9s is vital.
Recent results:
2003: Ireland won 40-14 in Apia, Samoa
2001: Ireland won 35-8 4 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin
1996: Samoa won 25-40 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin
1988: Ireland won 49-22 at Lansdowne Rd, Dublin
Prediction:
Samoa will come out hard and throw everything at the Irish in the first 20 minutes, but they are unlikely to sustain their intensity for the entire match and Ireland have enough experience players to take control of the match. Ireland to win by 20 points.
Teams:
Ireland: 15 Luke Fitzgerald, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O’Driscoll (captain), 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.
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ofisa Trevarinus, 5 Kane Thompsen, 4 Filipo Lavea Levi, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (captain), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 AN Other, 17 Simon Lemalu, 18 Iosefa Tekori, 19 Afa Aiono, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Gavin Williams, 22 Jamie Helleur.
Date: Saturday, November 13
Venue: Landsdowne Road, Dublin
Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT)
Expected weather: Maximum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius on a clear day with some sunshine and a light breeze
Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jérôme Garces (France), Neil Paterson
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)