Ireland 17-13 Samoa

Ireland v Samoa Match Reports

Ireland survived a scare to beat a determined Samoa 17-13 in their final World Cup warm-up match at the Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne. Despite taking an early lead through a Jimmy O'Brien try, Ireland found themselves trailing 10-7 at half-time after Duncan Paia'aua scored a try and Lima Sopoaga kicked a penalty for Samoa. After the break, Samoa extended their lead when Lima Sopoaga kicked a second penalty. Conor Murray then snatched a try for Ireland, but the conversion was missed and Samoa remained one point to the good. It wasn't until the 64th minute that Ireland retook the lead, when Rob Herring was driven over for a try. A nervy finish for Ireland saw them defend a 5 metre lineout in order to secure an uncomfortable victory. A selection of match reports is listed below:

• Autumn Internationals: Cian Healy injury blights narrow Ireland win over Samoa in World Cup warm-up
• BBC: Healy injured as Ireland beat Samoa in final warm-up
• Irish Independent: A poor Ireland team win ugly in Bayonne as Cian Healy’s World Cup hangs in the balance
• Irish Times: Dire quality of match just served to make Ireland win even more important