In warmup for All Blacks, Irish ruggers smash Samoans

By Mark Jones

DUBLIN — Ireland’s rugby team kept on the winning track with a comprehensive 35-8 victory over Samoa at Lansdowne Road last weekend.

With as many as eight players, including captain Keith Wood, who were either rested or injured, the game was an opportunity for coach Warren Gatland to assess form in advance of next Saturday’s clash with New Zealand.

Certainly, out-half Ronan O’Gara and wing Geordan Murphy made enough of impression in a four-try success to give Gatland food for thought. However, injuries notwithstanding, the players who performed so brilliantly in the recent Six Nations championship win over England are likely to be selected.

So, if the match against Samoa was a routine day at the office, the eagerly awaited confrontation with New Zealand is crucial board meeting. Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks in their history and with confidence levels high following a second place finish in the Six Nations, combined with a relatively inexperienced New Zealand touring squad, the chances of an upset are greater than at any time in the past.

“Obviously, we’ll be looking for something better against the All Blacks,” said Brian O’Driscoll, who had a quiet game by his high standards. While Samoa never threatened to pull off a surprise victory, they did make significant headway in the middle of the pitch were the Irish defense was far from impressive at times.

Frankie Sheahan, new cap Jeremy Staunton, Murphy and Tyrone Howe scored tries for Ireland, who led 16-3 at halftime, while O’Gara kicked three penalties and three conversions.

Ireland: J. Staunton; G. Murphy, . O’Driscoll, K. Maggs, T. Howe; R. O’Gara, P. Stinger; E. Byrne, F. Sheahan, J. Hayes, M. Galwey, G. Longwell, E. Miller, K. Dawson, A. Foley (capt.). Subs: T. Brennan for Miller, S. Easterby for Foley, both halftime; P. Clohessy for Hayes, G. Easterby for Stringer, M. Mullins for O’Driscoll, all 69 mins.