Ireland v Samoa: Rugby World Cup 2019 – live!

The “get in, get give points, get out” nature of what Ireland need from this game is reflected in Joe Schmidt’s “come and have a go” selection, including the lock Tadgh Beirne playing at blind-side. Henshaw and Aki are reunited from their Connacht days as will offer some physical challenge to the Samoans in midfield. Jonny Sexton is back and needs to show some form, I’m honestly not sure if he’s fit, which doesn’t help.

Henry Taefu will give Ireland some trouble, the centre is a bit of a handful and their back rown of Vui, Ioane and Lam could give their Ireland counterparts a torrid day if they get their wheels rolling early.

Ireland: Jordan Larmour; Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Josh Van der Flier, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery, Andrew Conway.

Samoa: Tim Nanai-Williams; Ah See Tuala, Alapati Leiua, Henry Taefu, Ed Fidow; Ulupano Seuteni, Dwayne Polataivao; Logovii Mulipola, Seilala Lam, Michael Alaalatoa, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Le’aupepe, Chris Vui, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam (captain).

Replacements: Ray Niuia, Paul Alo-Emile, Jordan Lay, Piula Faasalele, Josh Tyrell, Pele Cowley, Tusi Pisi, Kieron Fonotia.

source: theguardian.com