Lacklustre Ireland down Samoa

Dublin - Ireland had to work hard to end an eight-month run of four games without victory on Saturday, overcoming Samoa in an occasionally free-flowing 20-10 win at the Aviva Stadium.

Irish coach Declan Kidney retained just five players from last week's poor display in defeat to South Africa and his side just about managed to keep the impressive visitors at bay thanks mainly to recalled flyhalf Ronan O'Gara.

O'Gara, who came off the bench to spur Ireland in their late rally last weekend, scored two first-half penalties, converted an early try from number eight Jamie Heaslip and grabbed a second half try for himself to see the flat hosts through.

After O'Gara's first penalty marked the sole contribution to the scoreboard in an entertaining but uneventful opening, Heaslip went over from close range on 18 minutes following terrific lineout work from his colleagues up front.

Samoa kept in touch almost immediately when quick hands first from debutant flyhalf Tasesa Lavea and then London Irish centre Seilala Mapusua set fellow English Premiership flyer Alesana Tuilagi clear for his ninth international try.

O'Gara, who won his 100th cap last against the Springboks, added another penalty on the half hour but a lack of composure in front of the try line meant the hosts led by just 13-7 at the break.

Samoa started the second half on top, continuing to expose a weak Irish scrum and although similarly unable to carve out any clearcut opportunities, they clipped the lead back to just three points thanks to a Lavea penalty just before the hour mark.

With the game turning scrappier by the minute, O'Gara eased the tension with a second Irish try 14 minutes from time after quick-thinking, long-time halfback partner Peter Stringer put him through with a tap penalty near the posts.

However with their new home almost half empty thanks to an unwise hikes in ticket prices, Ireland are unlikely to have anywhere near a full house next week making their task of taking on the mighty New Zealand even harder.

Result:

Ireland 20 Samoa 10

H-t: 13-7

Scorers

Ireland: Tries - Heaslip, O'Gara; Conversions - O'Gara (2); Penalties -- O'Gara (2)

Samoa: Tries -- Tuilagi; Conversion - Williams; Penalty - Williams

Teams (15-1)

Ireland

Luke Fitzgerald; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (Capt), Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble; Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Denis Leamy; Devin Toner, Donncha O'Callaghan; John Hayes, Sean Cronin, Tom Court.

Replacements used: Rory Best, Stephen Ferris,Cian Healy, Donnacha Ryan, Isaac Boss.

Unused: Jonathan Sexton, Keith Earls.

Samoa

Paul Williams; David Lemi, George Pisi, Seilala Mapusua, Alesana Tuilagi; Tasesa Lavea, Kahn Fotualii; George Stowers, Manaia Salavea, Ofisa Trevarinus; Kane Thompsen, Filipo Lavea Levi; Anthony Perenise, Mahonri Schwalger (Capt) Sakaria Taulafo.

Replacements used: Junior Poluleuligaga, Iosefa Tekori, Afa Aiono,Simon Lemalu, Gavin Williams.

Unused: Steve Fualau, Jamie Helleur

Referee: Keith Brown (NZL)

Att: 30,955