Conor Murray try helps Ireland edge Samoa as Keith Earls ruled out before kick-off

IRELAND made it 13 wins on the bounce when securing a hard fought 17-13 victory over a resilient Samoa side in their final World Cup warm-up game in Bayonne, France on Saturday night.

Tries from Jimmy O’Brien, Conor Murray and Rob Herring saw Ireland edge the outcome after Andy Farrell's Grand Slam champions trailed 7-10 at half-time in wet, greasy conditions. 

Ireland's victory in France came at a cost in the form of Cian Healy's injury. The vastly experienced prop limped off in the first half with a suspected calf problem.

Limerick winger Keith Earls was ruled out of Ireland's final Rugby World Cup warm-up game before kick-off with Jacob Stockdale coming in to the side.

Earls, who won his 100th cap in last Saturday's 29-10 win against England at the Aviva Stadium, was due to start on the right wing. However, he sat out Friday's captain's run at Stade Jean Dauger with a minor knock and was withdrawn from the matchday squad.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell told RTÉ Sport that the Munster winger's knock was a 'niggle' and not considered serious.

The final Ireland squad for the Rugby World Cup in France is due to be named at 4.30pm tomorrow, Sunday.

Ireland’s performance was far from convincing and they still trailed with an hour played.

A second penalty from former Wasps fly-half Sopoaga stretched Samoa’s advantage before Stockdale’s kick over the top was gleefully dotted down by the diving Conor Murray.

However, Crowley’s wayward conversion left Ireland a point behind at 13-12.

Replacement hooker Rob Herring claimed Ireland’s third try of the evening and they held on for an unconvincing 17-13 success.

Ireland ended a disjointed first half 10-7 behind after Samoan full-back Duncan Paia’aua intercepted a Stuart McCloskey pass inside his own half to brilliantly race clear and dive over.

Fly-half Lima Sopoaga added the conversion and a subsequent penalty.

The turnaround on the scoreboard came after Farrell’s men suffered a setback in the 21st minute when hobbling prop Cian Healy was helped from the field by medical staff in obvious discomfort.

Ireland led 7-0 at the midway point of the opening period following Jimmy O’Brien’s maiden Test try.

A fine Conor Murray tackle denied Samoa an early lead before Jack Crowley’s pinpoint cross-field kick allowed Hansen to gallop down the right wing and give full-back O’Brien a simple finish.