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International Test Matches
[EOYT] Ireland vs. Samoa 09/11/13
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 604242" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Yeah, I was expecting him to be on the bench at the very least (though personally i would have had him starting at 8).</p><p></p><p>Injuries have left Samoa lacking in a bit of experience in the tight five, and that could prove costly. I'm not a bit fan of Filo Paulo at lock - he locks great monstering halfbacks, but doesn't seem to like mixing it with players his own size. The loose-forward trio pretty well balanced (though I would have preffered Levave as mentioned above), and they have some good size on the bench in Tekori and Faosilivia (though Tekori is mainly covering lock).</p><p></p><p>As usual Fotuali'i is the key for Samoa - he often controls the game for them. Tusi Pisi has never really impressed me, but he does have a bit of size and power so may be effective running straight at Jackson. I'm assuming Pisi will be Samoas first choice goal-kicker with So'ioalo and the Williams brothers missing? If so that is a bit worrying for Samoa, as he is a pretty inconsistent goal-kicker. Leota and George Pisi form a solid if unspectacular midfield - I don't imagine they will cause D'Arcy & O'Driscoll too many issues. Leuia is probably Samoa's best weapon - he had a very impressive Super Rugby season, and though he probably lacks top end pace he can be very dangerous cutting back against the traffic. Va'aulu and Autagavaia have a bit of pace, but I do think Samoa will miss the reliability of Paul Williams at the back.</p><p></p><p>Though I would love to see Samoa pull of the upset I feel Ireland will prove to be too good in the end. I agree with Invictus's prediction of Ireland winning by 10-15 points.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 604242, member: 24910"] Yeah, I was expecting him to be on the bench at the very least (though personally i would have had him starting at 8). Injuries have left Samoa lacking in a bit of experience in the tight five, and that could prove costly. I'm not a bit fan of Filo Paulo at lock - he locks great monstering halfbacks, but doesn't seem to like mixing it with players his own size. The loose-forward trio pretty well balanced (though I would have preffered Levave as mentioned above), and they have some good size on the bench in Tekori and Faosilivia (though Tekori is mainly covering lock). As usual Fotuali'i is the key for Samoa - he often controls the game for them. Tusi Pisi has never really impressed me, but he does have a bit of size and power so may be effective running straight at Jackson. I'm assuming Pisi will be Samoas first choice goal-kicker with So'ioalo and the Williams brothers missing? If so that is a bit worrying for Samoa, as he is a pretty inconsistent goal-kicker. Leota and George Pisi form a solid if unspectacular midfield - I don't imagine they will cause D'Arcy & O'Driscoll too many issues. Leuia is probably Samoa's best weapon - he had a very impressive Super Rugby season, and though he probably lacks top end pace he can be very dangerous cutting back against the traffic. Va'aulu and Autagavaia have a bit of pace, but I do think Samoa will miss the reliability of Paul Williams at the back. Though I would love to see Samoa pull of the upset I feel Ireland will prove to be too good in the end. I agree with Invictus's prediction of Ireland winning by 10-15 points. [/QUOTE]
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[EOYT] Ireland vs. Samoa 09/11/13
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