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By Michael Morrow
BBC Sport NI in Fukuoka
Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek claims playing surface issues can not fixate the side during their Pool A fixture from Samoa.
The Fukuoka pitch was relaid after the World Cup match at the place between France and the USA, leading to concerns it may cut up on Saturday.
A BBC Sport NI clip from Irish training on Friday showed center Chris Farrell able to spoil a chunk below the pitch.
We simply try to back the gamers, said the Ireland scrum coach.
Trust that the pitch is going to perform its job and attempt to alleviate any issues when were out there.
Ireland require before Japan accept on Scotland on Sunday a bonus-point triumph to be assured of a place.
The decision to re-turf the pitch has been taken after heavy rain two weeks ago contributed to a severely cut-up surface, which has hosted two games at the tournament up to now.
Though the appearance of the turf might not be ideal, as expected with a rather current installation, were convinced the pitch will perform beautifully, said a World Rugby statement.
But, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt appeared concerned by the status of the playing surface in Irelands captains run training session Friday.
His disposition is not likely to have been improved from center Farrells sight temporarily hiding a soccer ball under the turf throughout the training session – though the players seemed to find the funny side of this episode.
Even the Ireland boss spent minutes examining problematic bits of turf, demonstrating several places to Irelands head of operations Ger Carmody and both scrum coach Feek.
When asked about Schmidts clear concerns, Feek replied:You guys are quite clever individuals, and you would have observed the pitch yourselves.
A strong Irish side was termed in the expectation that they can book their place in the past eight without needing to rely on Sundays lead to Yokohama between both Pool A competitions to enter their favor.
Together with the pitch inclined to deteriorate as the game wears , Ireland will seek a quick start with the knowledge which their World Cup future may hinge scoring at least four attempts.
we would like to attempt and be sure the scrums remain up, added Feek.
Not only for safety but also for the game itself.
Schmidt has called an experienced side for the game, making 11 changes from the side that failed to dazzle against Russia.
Wing Keith Earls is among the four gamers where he will act as the senior statesman in the back three alongside Jacob Stockdale along with Jordan Larmour.
[The pitch] doesnt look great to be honest, Earls.
Truly out there it is flat and very firm, it doesnt feel too bad to run on.
I guess its going to be the exact same for both groups and weve only got to go out there and get on with the task
Northern Irelands Euro 2020 eligibility hopes suffer a blow having an estimated 3-1 defeat from the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Robbie Henshaw will play for the very first time in this years Rugby World Cup having been appointed at outside centre for the final pool game against Samoa of Ireland.
Former Down All-Ireland winning manager Pete McGrath states Eamonn Burns hadno agendas, no back doors and played a key role in the countys success in the 1990s.
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