Ireland beat Samoa

[cpwigan]

Turn up for the books

[josie andrews]

What a cracking game really enjoyed the game.

Well done Ireland you thoroughly deserve your victory :eusa2: :eusa2:

Pat Richards scored 22 points, including a hat-trick of tries, as Ireland produced the shock of the World Cup to beat Samoa 34-16 in Sydney and reach the knockout stages for the second successive tournament.

The Irish, who beat Samoa on their way to the quarter-finals in 2000, stunned the highly-fancied Pacific Islanders with one of the bravest performances in World Cup history to move to within 80 minutes of a semi-final clash with defending champions Australia.

Andy Kelly's heroes needed to win by six points to top Pool C on points difference but emerged from a bruising and, at times, brutal, encounter with a handsome victory margin that befitted their courage and determination.

Samoa played it physical and not all the big hits were legal but England could learn a few lessons from the Irish, who stood up to the challenge magnificently in front of a passionate crowd of 8,602.

As well as his hat-trick, Richards also kicked five goals while Simon Finnigan, Sean Gleeson and Liam Finn also crossed for the Irish.

Their reward is a semi-final qualifier, mostly likely against Fiji, on the Gold Coast next Monday, with the Kangaroos lying in wait for the winners in the second semi-final.

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=4319

[viva_seddo13]

Great effort from ireland!!! Paat was very good macca and eamon were solid as was hansen. Carmont would have set up more sides if Meli could catch