1
Ireland player ratings vs Samoa
This was more like it from Ireland, a convincing seven-try 47-5 win over Samoa in Fukuoka that will inflate optimism that they just might be able to create history next weekend by winning a World Cup quarter-final for the first time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sitting top of Pool A on 16 points, they won’t know until Sunday exactly when and who they will face in that knockout stage match.
A typhoon-enforced cancellation of the Japan-Scotland match would see both those teams awarded two points each, enough for the tournament’s host nation to join Ireland on 16 points, top the pool by virtue of having the better head-to-head and secure the quarter-final versus South Africa that would direct a second-place Ireland into a meeting with defending champions New Zealand.
Whatever the outcome of that particular conundrum, Ireland can at least go forward into the last-eight with their wavering confidence somewhat restored after a fortnight where they were defeated by the Japanese and were scratchy versus minnows Russia.
Unlike in those previous two outings, where they enjoyed respective early 12-3 and 14-0 leads and then went on to struggle, here they encouragingly built on the 21-0 advantage they had locked in by the 21st minute, even competently offsetting the damage that was Bundee Aki’s 29th minute red card.
(Continue reading below…)
That expulsion is likely to rule the high-tackling Aki out of the remainder of the tournament, but in the likes of the rejuvenated Johnny Sexton-Conor Murray partnership and the pack aggression exhibited by soldiers such as Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan, a foundation exists for Ireland to build on despite the fact that Samoa were unquestionably a very poor side. Here’s how RugbyPass rated the Irish players:
ADVERTISEMENT
15. Jordan Larmour – 7
A safe pair of hands in his third start at full-back in Ireland’s last eight games. Lit up the contest with his first major front foot impression, executing a beautiful show-and-go on 21 minutes approaching the 22 to zip between Ed Fidow and Jack Lam to set up Sexton’s first try. Was held up over the line on 48 minutes but made it over to score off the next play from a whipped Murray pass. Has left Joe Schmidt with a quarter-final decision on whether to stick by him or recall veteran Rob Kearney.
14. Keith Earls – 5
A generally quiet game by his considerably high standards. Threw a loose pass on 33 minutes that temporarily handed Samoa the initiative to try and claw their way back. Much improved in the second half. Made one early break. Was then illegally blocked for a potential try on 47 minutes off a Sexton grubber kick and then ran the smart decoy that allowed Murray put Larmour in.
Ireland vs Samoa kicks off in just over half an hour in Fukuoka.
Follow our match centre here | https://t.co/AVVpc11heA pic.twitter.com/9iX5Sm1z20— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 12, 2019
13. Robbie Henshaw – 4
ADVERTISEMENT
Rusty contribution in only his seventh start in partnership with the 23-cap Aki – and only their second together since June 2018. His first start at this World Cup after a hamstring injury was very flawed. During the opening half there was a soft knock-on as Sexton went on the loop, a penalty at the ruck which laid the platform for Samoa’s lone try and then it was his wild pass that created the awkward situation which led to Aki’s red card on 29 minutes. Hooked on 62 minutes.
12. Bundee Aki – 3
A night to forget. Got lucky with a risky pass on 13 minutes that was intercepted but fortunately called back for a penalty. That good fortune evaporated 16 minutes later when Henshaw’s passing inaccuracy exposed him and he frantically clattered into Ulupano Seuteni with a shoulder to the head. With his red card unlikely to be rescinded, his World Cup looks over as three weeks is the average ban at the tournament.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 5
Shaken early on by a shoulder to the head from Seilala Lam, who was yellow carded for the collision. Showed appetite to hunt on opposite flank when necessary. Also made important interception in his 22 on 30 minutes to snuff out Samoa’s first attack after the red card. Featured little in attack after Ireland were reduced to 14 and narrowed their approach.
10. Johnny Sexton – 9
Coughed up a couple of possessions but otherwise produced a Rolls Royce display that owed so much to his long experience in the game. Exerted near total control and was rewarded with two well-taken first-half tries, the second on 39 minutes off a Murray pass being especially crucial as it secured the try bonus point and also created a necessary three-score advantage going into the second half. Pulled on 50 minutes for Joey Carbery to help ensure he is flying fit for quarter-final.
9. Conor Murray – 9
Was the epitome of composure for nearly all of his 53 minutes on the loose-turfed Fukuoka pitch. Noticed early that Samoa were filling the back field to counter any kicks, so he relied more heavily on a pass that looked very slick and was the assist for a couple of tries. Wasn’t completely perfect, though. His pass on 24 minutes eluded Cian Healy and provided Samoa the impetus for their only try.
1. Cian Healy – 6
Generally did what he needed to do to help Ireland exert the type of physicality necessary to subdue the Samoan big-hitters. Missed a few tackles and gave up a penalty at the scrum for not driving straight. Was otherwise diligent in producing 57 minutes of honest graft before giving way to Dave Kilcoyne.
The scene is set by @heagneyl as Joe Schmidt's Ireland prepare for their all-important tussle with Samoa in Fukuokahttps://t.co/43J3LUqMI8
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 11, 2019
2. Rory Best – 6
Similar to Healy, he was off kilter with a couple of tackles but the nuts and bolts of his game were on the money, particularly his lineout throwing. Opened the scoring with an early maul try that set the tempo. Then, as with Sexton, Murray, Furlong and Ryan, he was whipped off early enough with the job done at 33-5.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 9
The pick of the starting Ireland forwards. Lack of serious heft in the carry undermined the pack effort in the loss to Japan, but he led the drive here with a reported 23-metre gain off five first-half carries. Exhibited excellent footwork to claim a ninth-minute try and then gobbled up the first Samoan lineout before nearly grabbing a second try two minutes before the break only to be held up short. His last act was earning the early second-half penalty that gave Ireland the platform to build the pressure that led to the game-ending fifth try.
4. Iain Henderson – 6
Look better this week but the major question will be can he now go on and string two calibre performances together back-to-back, which has been a repetitive weakness in his game. Took the lineout catch for opening try from Best on four minutes and did so again for the maul-initiated move that sparked Furlong’s score. Struggled to break the gain line on the carry but went the full 80 to highlight his engine on the night.
5. James Ryan – 8
Curiously made Ireland’s first mistake, knocking on as they countered on the kick-off receipt following the restart at 7-0. Highlighting this error equates to nit-picking, though, as he was once more the general in setting the tone and was to the fore in helping to ensure that Ireland didn’t blink on this occasion as they did against Japan and Russia following similarly promising starts. Showed his latent athleticism with an excellent steal when Samoa had a 16th minute lineout in the Irish 22. Lasted 57 minutes before giving way to Jean Kleyn.
6. Tadhg Beirne – 7
Finally appeared as if his face fitted at this level with Ireland. Was busy throughout his hour-long contribution before allowing Peter O’Mahony a 20-minute run and there will surely be a selection debate on whether Beirne’s ball carrying ability is more valuable to Ireland than O’Mahony’s nuisance value on the other side of the ball. Was called on at the first Irish lineout, which his seamlessly caught, and his performance built from there.
7. Josh van der Flier – 6
The chopper was his team’s busiest tackler, which is his selection calling card. Was held up short on 45 minutes before Furlong got over without grounding, but the question remains does he do enough on the ball to give Ireland the best shot at creating history by winning a quarter-final?
Ireland promised after 2015 they would not be caught winging it at the 2019 RWC with an inexperienced out-half starting at No10 in a big match in place of Johnny Sexton, but they have not delivered on that aim https://t.co/Y2QThUAiJW
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 27, 2019
8. CJ Stander – 6
Another whose tackling was more miss than hit in the opening half, but he came more into the fray in the second half when multiple mainstays of the team were substituted early. His try on 65 minutes rounded off a lengthy series of pick-and-go during the period when Samoa had their second yellow card. Will need to be better next weekend in the early stages.
Replacements
16. Niall Scannell – 6
Arrived in for Best on 50 minutes and continued Ireland’s efficiency at the lineout as well as showing up in the general exchanges.
17. Dave Kilcoyne – 5
Had done well in other appearances this season in getting his hands on the ball but his impact was limited here during the 23 minutes he was on for Healy.
18. Andrew Porter – 6
The first replacement sent on by Schmidt, replacing Furlong on 45 minutes. Readily volunteered to make some hard yards in the tight during a period of the game when Ireland’s attack severely narrowed and revolved around the pick-and-go.
19. Jean Kleyn – 5
Was like Porter in pitching in with hard-won minuscule carries in the tight during his 23 minutes for Ryan. Held up over the line on 62
20. Peter O’Mahony – 5
Looked out on his feet versus Russia and was rightly limited to a 20-minute role off the bench here to allow Beirne find his feet. Didn’t have much to do when he appeared.
21. Luke McGrath – 6
Introduced on 53 minutes to give the invaluable Murray a rest, he relatively kept the tempo high to assist Ireland secure two more tries and round off their comfortable win.
22. Joey Carbery – 6
Thrown in on 50 minutes for Sexton with the result already in the bag. Showed encouraging vision to execute the sweet kick that put Andrew Conway in for his try.
23. Andrew Conway – 6
This guy’s enthusiasm is infectious and he is developing a canny knack of delivering the goods, fastening onto Carbery’s grubber to score on 70 minutes.
WATCH: What rugby fans can expect in Fukuoka at night during the World Cup
Comments on RugbyPass
I’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
4 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
6 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
11 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
11 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
2 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to commentsJake White is a brilliant coach and a master in the press. This is another masterclass in media relations and PR but its also a very narrow view with arguments that dont always hold water. White wants his team to win, he wants the best players in SA and wants his team competitive. You however have to face up to the reality of a poor exchange rate and big clubs with big budgets. SA Rugby cant compete and unless it can find more money SA players will keep leaving regardless of Springbok eligibility and this happened in 2015 - 2017. Also rugby is not cricket. Cricket has 3 formats and T20 cricket is where the money is at. When it comes to club vs country the IPL is king but that wont happen because the international calendar does not clash with the club calendar in rugby. So the argument about rugby going down the same path as cricket is really a non-starter
22 Go to commentsNZ rugby seem not to have learnt anything from professional rugby. Super rugby was dying and SA left before they died with the competition. SA rugby did a u turn on their approach to international players playing overseas and such players are now selected for Bok teams. As much as each country would love to retain their players playing in local competitions, this is the way the world is evolving my friends. Move with it or stay 20 years behind the times. One more thing. NZ rugby hierarchy think they are the big cheese. Take a more humble approach guys. You do not seem to have your players best interests at heart.
4 Go to commentsBeaches? In Cardiff? Where?
1 Go to commentsHe is right , the Crusaders will be a threat. Scott Barrett, ( particularly), Fergus Burke , Codie Taylor, ( from sabbatical) etc due back soon for the Crusaders. There are others like Zach Gallagher too. People can right the Crusaders off, Top 8 , here we come !!
1 Go to commentsWe will always struggle for money to match the other sides but the least the WRU can do is invest properly in Welsh rugby. Too much has been squandered on vanity projects like the hotel and roof walk amongst others which will never see a massive return. Hanging the 4 pro sides out to dry over the last decade is now coming back to bite the WRU financially as well as on the pitch. You reap what you sow.
1 Go to commentsWhat do you get if you cross a doctor with a fish? A plastic sturgeon
14 Go to commentsWhat happened to feleti Kaitu’u? Hasnt played in a while right?
1 Go to comments