SAMOA SAID THEY “have nothing to lose” as they promised an expansive attacking approach against Ireland in Saturday’s Pool A clash in Fukuoka [KO 11.45am Irish time, eir Sport/RTÉ].
The Samoans have are already out of the running for a quarter-final place and hope to conclude their World Cup campaign with a shock win over Joe Schmidt’s side.
Samoa boss Steve Jackson has made two changes to his starting team to face Ireland
In a major boost for the Samoans, fullback Tim Nanai Williams has been passed fit to start after failing an HIA in last weekend’s defeat to Japan. The two changes see Newcastle Falcons prop Logovi’i Mulipola start at loosehead, while Teofilo Paulo is included in the second row.
Jackson believes that his Samoa team are an even more dangerous proposition for Ireland with the pressure completely off them.
“We just told our players that this is the last time this group will be together,” said a relaxed Jackson after naming his team in Fukuoka today.
“We can’t go any further in our pool than where we are at the moment so, at the end of the day, we are still playing for a bit of pride. We don’t have anything to lose.
“They are in the top three in the world. We will be going out there to throw everything at it.
“I don’t think the game will be won on penalties. I think you will see both teams trying to play an expansive sort of a game and get as many tries as they possibly can because even for Ireland, we don’t know what is going to happen on Sunday with the typhoon.
“We don’t know what the outcome of that [Japan v Scotland] game is going to be. Again, we are going out there to do the best we possibly can and knock over one of the top teams in the world. We’ve got nothing to lose.”
The availability of Clermont back Nanai Williams is a major boost for the Samoans, given his creative qualities and influence within the squad.
“Timmy is massive, not only for what he can do on the field but he gives great leadership within the group,” said Jackson. “He’s a bit of a character, he likes to have a bit of a laugh and he’s a cheeky little bugger. He’s great to have around the team.
“What he does on the field, you’ve seen in the last few weeks that he’s a quality player and he can open up teams just by the way he plays. Hopefully, the way the game goes on Saturday, he’ll have the opportunity to do the same. We’re not expecting anything less from him, his first mindset is to attack.
“He’s a good defender as well and as he’s shown he’s good under the high ball.”
Samoa (v Ireland):
15. Tim Nanai Williams
14. Ah See Tuala
13. Alapati Leiua
12. Henry Taefu
11. Ed Fidow
10. UJ Seuteni
9. Dwayne Polataivao
1. Logovi’i Mulipola
2. Seilala Lam
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Teofilo Paulo
5. Kane Le’aupepe
6. Chris Vui
7. TJ Ioane
8. Jack Lam
Replacements:
16. Ray Niuia
17. Paul Alo-Emile
18. Jordan Lay
19. Piula Fa’aselele
20. Josh Tyrell
21. Pele Cowley
22. Tusi Pisi
23. Kieron Fonotia
Referee: Nic Berry [Australia].
