Schmidt Names Team For Samoa As Tournament Chaos Reigns

Joe Schmidt has named his Irish side to take on Samoa as the World Cup has been thrown into scheduling chaos with the cancellation of several games and potentially Scotland’s crucial final pool game with Japan.

There are 11 changes from the side that beat Russia with Conor Murray, Rory Best, James Ryan and Robbie Henshaw all set to start. 

Henshaw who travelled to Japan with an injured hamstring is fit to make his first appearance at the competition. Bundee Aki will partner the Leinster player in the centre.

Jordan Larmour replaces injured Rob Kearney (groin) at fullback while Keith Earls and Jacob Stockdale take their places on the wings. Murray and Sexton are the half back combination.

There are wholesale changes up front with 7 changes from the below par performance against Russia. Cian Healy, Best, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, James Ryan all return to the front five. Tadhg Beirne starts in the back row with Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander.

Replacements are Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Jean Kleyn and Peter O’Mahony, with the backline replacements being Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery and Andrew Conway.

Samoa have also selected their side for the game.

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 (capt).

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