Under-19 World Cup/ Ireland 16 Samoa 15: Irish passion clinched victory over the Pacific islanders in the final pool match of the IRB Under-19 World Championship at Sharjah last night.
The result, subject to confirmation, means Ireland are ranked sixth at the end of the pool stages and will play Argentina in the next round with a possible final game against fifth-ranked Wales.
Samoa, playing a simple but effective game, caused problems for Ireland and came desperately close to denying them victory with a fighting finish.
But in the end, their indiscipline, resulting in three yellow cards, cost them the match despite winning the try count 2-1.
Ireland knew they were in for a tough game from the whistle, as their captain David Pollock acknowledged. "They came at us and were very strong at the end. Once they got near our line they were very difficult to stop."
Pollock's leadership from the backrow inspired his team-mates, among whom Keith Earls, initially on the wing but later at centre, impressed. Prop Cian Healy and replacement wing Shane Monahan also showed well.
Most influential for Ireland, however, was outhalf Brian Collins, whose goal kicking proved vital, the Castleknock player kicking three penalties and a touchline conversion.
Ireland were under pressure in the opening exchanges but broke free and earned a penalty which Collins turned into points. But almost immediately Samoa replied with a similar effort from centre Ki Anufe.
The advantage then swung to Ireland again as Collins punished the Samoans for an offside and then for a high tackle to give his side a 9-3 lead. But Ireland's failure to deal with the bouncing restart kick put Samoa on the front foot and it needed a superb tackle by centre Aidan Wynne on the Irish line to prevent a score.
Samoa, however, were in full cry and from a close-in handling move skipper and hooker Steve Faatau crossed for his side's opening try. The conversion attempt was off target, leaving the Irish 9-8 ahead at half-time.
Ireland, looking more determined in the second half, made the most of their numerical advantage after Samoan flanker Richard Muagututia was yellow -carded for a dangerous challenge on Earls, with a move off a penalty.
Prop Healy surged into the defence before off-loading to Collins. Wynne provided the support before laying on the scoring pass to loosehead prop Ruaidhrí Murphy for a fine try, Collins adding the difficult conversion.
Then in a nervous final 10 minutes, Samoa struck back with a try by wing Silaumua Potifele and the conversion by fullback Karl Siemsen to bring them to within a point.
The tension continued as Siemsen came close with two late drop-goal attempts.
IRELAND: N O'Connor (Limavady GS); K Earls (St Munchin's), I Dineen (CBC Cork), A Wynne (Blackrock College), M Barker (Queen's Univ); B Collins (Castleknock), P O'Donohoe (Belvedere College); R Murphy (Castleknock), D Gilchrist (UCD), C Healy (Belvedere College), A Browne (Galwegians), C McInerney (UCD), T O'Donnell (UL Bohemians), D Pollock (Queen's Univ), K Sheahan (UCD). Subs: G Slattery (St Munchin's), J Gethings (Gonzaga), J Graham (Ballynahinch), S Monahan (Trinity College)
SAMOA: K Siemsen; S Potifele, T Palamo, K Anufe, M Salesa; S Leota, A Tupou; S Satui, S Faatau, T Faalogo, L Tofilau, R Petaia, M Timoteo, R Muagututia, T Faapuea.
Referee: F Cuesta (Argentina)
