Ireland will be somewhat relieved to have secured a hard-fought 17-13 win over Samoa in their last friendly game in preparation for the World Cup this evening at the Stade Jean-Dauger, in Bayonne, France.

Andy Farrell’s side got the test they had been waiting for, with Samoa giving Ireland a wake-up call with an intense and physical performance in which they disrupted and tested Ireland in every facet of the game.

Jimmy O’Brien scored for Ireland in the first half, but Duncan Paia’aua hit back for Samoa and Lima Sopoaga slotted a penalty just before the break to give Samoa a shock 7-10 lead at the break.

Despite a further penalty from Sopoaga after the break, Ireland fought their way back into the game in the second half with tries from Conor Murray and Rob Herring and managed to hold on and escape with the win.

Samoa came out all guns blazing, dedicating numbers to the breakdown and disrupting Ireland.

Despite Samoa’s attempt to swarm Ireland, Jack Crowley spotted Mack Hansen in space and executed a perfect cross-field kick. Mack Hansen did really well to offload to Jimmy O'Brien who was in support and touched down. Crowley added the extras.

The incredibly physical encounter continued, and veteran prop Cian Healy looked in significant discomfort as he limped off the field and was replaced by Jeremy Loughman.

Duncan Paia’aua attempted to intercept a Stuart McCloskey pass, but the ball hit off his face and he collected it to run the pitch. A bit of luck but just reward for the impressive intensity shown by Samoa in the first half.

Sopoaga kicked the conversion and added a penalty to his tally to put Samoa ahead at the break.

Ireland looked somewhat shell-shocked as they went into the dressing room for half-time in the unfamiliar position of being behind.

Samoa showed no sign of slowing down in the second half and extended their lead with a further penalty from Sopoaga.

With both sides struggling to gain the ascendancy in the bruising encounter, Ireland scored out of nowhere as Conor Murray supplied winger Jacob Stockdale who performed his patented chip and chase, and it was Murray who won the race and collected and dotted down to put Ireland within a point.

Ireland went to the bench for reinforcements, bringing on the experienced Rob Herring, James Ryan and Peter O’Mahoney who made an immediate impact.

Ireland reverted to the tried and tested lineout maul to drive over, and it was Rob Herring who steered the maul from behind and then burrowed over to give Ireland in the lead in the closing quarter.

Samoa showed no signs of slowing down and seemed to grow in strength and energy. Their direct running and abrasive style caused Ireland issues but they left points out on the field with poor decision making at crucial moments.

Ireland to their credit held out and ground out the win despite Samoa threatening until the end. Ireland got the test they wanted ahead of their opener against Romania, but it is Samoa who will leave the more encouraged of the two sides.