Rugby World Cup 2019: Ireland play down Fukuoka pitch concerns for Samoa game

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From Michael Morrow
BBC Sport NI at Fukuoka
Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek says the side cannot be fixated by potential playing surface problems throughout their final Pool A fixture from Samoa.
The Fukuoka pitch has been relaid after the World Cup match in the venue between France and the USA it could cut up on Saturday.
A BBC Sport NI clip from Irish training on Friday showed centre Chris Farrell competent to bury a ball.
We only try to rear the gamers, explained the Ireland scrum coach.
Trust the pitch is going to perform its job and attempt to alleviate any issues when were out there.
Ireland require a bonus-point win to get guaranteed of a location before Japan accept on Scotland on Sunday.
The choice to re-turf the pitch was shot after heavy rain nearly two weeks ago contributed to some surface, which has hosted two matches at the tournament so far.
While the look of the turf might not be perfect, as expected with a very current installation, were convinced that the pitch will perform beautifully, said a World Rugby announcement.
But, Ireland trainer Joe Schmidt appeared worried by the condition of the playing surface at Irelands captains conduct training session Friday.
His disposition is unlikely to have been enhanced from the sight of center Farrell briefly hiding a rugby ball below the turf during the session – though the players appeared to see the humorous side of the episode.
The Ireland boss spent minutes examining problematic strips of turf, revealing areas to Irelands head of operations Ger Carmody and both scrum trainer Feek.
When asked about Schmidts clear concerns, Feek responded:You guys are pretty clever individuals, and also you would have seen the pitch yourselves.
A powerful side has been called in the expectation without needing to rely to go in their favor that they can reserve their place.
Together with the pitch inclined to significantly deteriorate as the match wears on, Ireland will look for a fast start which their World Cup future may hinge on scoring at least four attempts.
we would like to attempt to be certain that the scrums remain up, additional Feek.
Not just for security but also for the game itself.
Schmidt has called an experienced side for the match, making 11 changes from the side which failed past 24, to sabotage against Russia.
Where he will act alongside Jacob Stockdale along with Jordan Larmour wing Keith Earls is among those four players to maintain his position.
[The pitch] doesnt look great to be honest, Earls.
Truly out there it is flat and very firm, it does not feel too poor to run on.
I suppose it is going to be the same for both groups and we have just got to go out there and get on with the job
Northern Irelands Euro 2020 qualification hopes suffer a blow with an agonising 3-1 defeat.
Robbie Henshaw will play for the first time in this years Rugby World Cup was named at outside centre for Irelands final pool match against Samoa.
Former Down All-Ireland winning director Pete McGrath says Eamonn Burns hadno plans, no rear doors and played an essential part in the countys victory in the 1990s.

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