Ireland do just enough to beat Samoa

Ireland U19 16  Samoa U19 15:  Ireland did just enough to edge past Samoa at the under-19 World Cup and secure a tie with Argentina in the next round.

Charlie McAleese's side are now ranked sixth following the pool stages and face the Pumas with a game against Wales - ranked 5th - also potentially on the cards.

Ireland were on the back foot early on but looked dangerous when afforded space to run.  Outhalf Brian Collins steadied the ship with an early penalty but Samoa did likewise soon after to level.

Ireland then stretched into a 9-3 lead but Samoa closed the gap to a point when hooker Steve Faatau crashed over the line for the opening try.

Samoan flanker Richard Muagututia was sin-binned early in the second half and Ireland made the numerical advantage count when prop Ruaidhri Murphy went over the line.

But Samoa still had plenty to offer and winger Silaumua Potifele scored their second try to ensure a tense finish.

Happy though the Ireland camp are, they are only too aware that had they beaten France last Sunday they could have been vying for a place among the top four countries.

New Zealand, France, Australia and England still retain hopes of winning following the last round of pool matches in Division A in Dubai.

New Zealand defeated Australia to finish top of the standings, whilst France fought off a dogged Argentina to also finish unbeaten and take second spot.

Australia's bonus point for losing by less than eight points to New Zealand ensured they finished third.

England beat last year's champions South Africa 45-18 to claim fourth.

Wales defeated Romania 70-0 to follow up their 35-5 victory over Scotland and can count themselves unfortunate to finish in fifth, their only defeat coming against New Zealand.