Ruggers run roughshod over Samoa

It was just 9-7 to the tourists at the interval, but instead of Ireland flagging in the conditions, the Samoan challenge faded with O’Gara contributing a magnificent two tries, five penalties, two conversions and a drop goal. Three players — Aidan McCullen, Anthony Horgan and Paul Shields — won first international caps, while Horgan and Jonathan Bell both had to be substituted because of heat exhaustion.
“The response from everyone in the second half was incredible, I’ve no idea where we got the energy,” said O’Gara. “The way we destroyed them was really pleasing. A lot of players put down markers for the World Cup.”