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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 claims playing surface problems that are potential can not fixate the side during their final Pool A fixture against Samoa.
The Fukuoka pitch has been relaid after the World Cup match and the USA it could cut up on Saturday.
A BBC Sport NI clip from Irish practice on Friday revealed centre Chris Farrell competent to bury a chunk under the pitch.
We only try to rear the gamers, said the Ireland scrum coach.
Trust the pitch is going to do its job and attempt to alleviate any concerns when we are out there.
Ireland require before Japan accept on Scotland a bonus-point win to be guaranteed of a quarter-final location.
The decision has been taken after heavy rain nearly two weeks ago contributed to some severely cut-up surface, which has hosted two matches in the tournament so far.
While the appearance of the turf might not be perfect, as expected with a very current installment, we are confident the pitch will do superbly, said a World Rugby statement.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt appeared concerned by the state of the playing surface at Irelands captains conduct training session on Friday.
His mood is unlikely to have been improved from centre Farrells sight hiding a soccer ball below the turf during the session – although the players appeared to see the side of this episode.
Even the Ireland boss spent minutes examining problematic strips of turf, revealing a few areas to both scrum trainer Feek and Irelands head of operations Ger Carmody.
When asked about Schmidts clear concerns, Feek replied:You guys are quite smart individuals, and also you would have seen the pitch yourselves.
A strong side was named in the expectation without needing to rely to enter their favour they can reserve their place.
Together with the pitch inclined to significantly deteriorate as the game wears on, Ireland will find a fast start with the understanding which their World Cup future could hinge scoring at least four tries.
we would like to try to be sure that the scrums remain up, additional Feek.
Not only for security but also for the game itself.
Schmidt has named a seasoned side for the match, making 11 changes from the side which failed to dazzle against Russia.
Wing Keith Earls is among the four players where he will act alongside Jordan Larmour and Jacob Stockdale.
[The pitch] does not look great to be honest, Earls.
Really out there it is flat and quite firm, it doesnt feel too bad to operate on.
I suppose its going to be the exact same for both groups and we have only got to go out there and get on with the task .
The Euro 2020 qualification hopes of northern Ireland suffer a blow with an agonising 3-1 defeat by the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Robbie Henshaw will play for the first time at 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 director Pete McGrath says Eamonn Burns hadno plans, no back doors and played an essential part in the countys success in the 1990s.

Read more here: http://www.fortoli.cn/?p=21897

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