The Ireland U 20s are very much aware of the threat posed by Samoa in the play-offs for 9th – 12th place in the World Rugby U 20 Championship in Georgia.
Captain Paul Boyle said Samoa is a big challenge for Ireland.
“They're going to be a good physical team and we're really looking forward to playing them. It's at the stage where if you lose you're in a relegation play-off, so it's a really, really big game for us and for Samoa.”
"I'm sure they've done a lot of preparation, but we're focused on our own game and getting our own performance right. There's a few aspects of our game which we haven't got right in the last few matches, so if we get them right we're confident going into it," Boyle said.
At the Captain’s run, Ireland’s Head coach Peter Malone said things didn't go to plan in the pool stages (with three defeats), but now it is about digging deep and looking to get a result against Samoa.
"That's not going to be easy as they caused problems for their opposition throughout their pool games and we know they're going to be very physical. The players know what lies ahead (tomorrow) and they're very focused, and really up for this game."
Malone has made 12 personnel changes to the team.
The game will take place at Avchala Stadium in the Georgian capital, Tablisi tonight.
Samoa U-20: Ricky Ene (Iva Fa'asaleleaga); Darren Kellet Moore (Ponsonby), Tanielu Tele'a (Auckland Marist), Kerrod Foaese (Marist St. Pat's), Alexander Pohla (Manly); Tagaloa Fonoti (Vaiala), Howard Tagoai (Lepa/Fasitoo Uta); Setu Enoka (Marist), Noel Sanft (Letava) (capt), Afioga Ielemia (Grammar Tech Auckland), Theodore Solipo (Patumahoe Counties Manukau), Julius Togafau (Marist Pakuranga), Francis Ah Him (Marist), Caleb Faalili (Papatoetoe Club), Sione Tuipulotu (Ardmore Marist).
Replacements: Petelo Ikenasio (Manurewa), Suetena Asomua (Counties Manukau), Frank Tupuola (Marist), Shammah-Anthony Solomona (Marist Hamilton), Peato Toeafe (Taga), Wyatt Setu (Queensland University), Pupi Ah See (Fasitoo Uta), Godinet Tinei (Waitemata Auckland).
Photo by World Rugby - Samoa U 20 team