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Ireland v Samoa Odds

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP – IRELAND v SAMOA BETTING – 5th NOVEMBER

Despite only finishing 3rd in the Pacific Group, Samoa qualified for the 2008 World Cup finals via the repechage round. Victories over the USA (42-10) and Lebanon (38-16) secured them the 10th and final place in Australia. Ireland qualified as winners of Europe Group 2. They will be favourites to beat Ireland in their Parramatta encounter. Following Ireland’s narrow defeat by Tonga on 27th October, Samoa are a best-priced 4/11 with vcbet to progress from the group, with Tonga rated 12/5 chances with Paddy Power and Ireland 40/1 with vcbet.

Latest Ireland v Samoa Odds

TV Coverage

The Ireland v Samoa match will be covered live by Sky Sports 1.

Ireland v Tonga Review

The Irish Wolfhounds met Tonga in their opening Group C fixture at Parramatta Stadium. Despite starting as 7/1 underdogs, Ireland competed well with a more fancied Tonga side and, as predicted by coach Andy Kelly, were not intimidated by the powerful Tongan pack. In the most entertaining match of the tournament so far, Ireland came mighty close to causing a major upset, finally succumbing 22-20.They took the lead after 33 minutes thanks to tries from Bradford Bulls’ full back Michael Platt and Wakefield Wildcats’ winger Damien Blanch, but a Tongan try saw the Wolfhounds two points down a the interval. Jim Dymock’s Tonga started the second-half better, but Ireland scored against the run of play, with Wakefield’s Sean Gleeson and Damien Blanch combining for a wide score. A try from Newcastle Knights’ winger Cooper Vuna but Tonga back in front. However, with just 15 minutes to go, Blanch went over for his third try, collecting an excellently weighted kick from Dewbury’s Liam Finn. Pat Richards added the conversion, as Ireland regained the advantage. Ireland were denied a fairytale opening to their World Cup campaign by a 73rd minute try from Gold Coast Titans’ winger Esikeli Tonga. Disappointed coach Andy Kelly praised his troops for their tenacity and refusal to concede defeat. He now hopes that Samoa can throw his side a lifeline. Ireland were quarter-finalists in 2000 and they could yet progress in the 2008 tournament if Samoa win the South Pacific derby in Penrith on 31st October.

Samoa Team News

Rugby League was not adopted in Samoa until 1985, and the national side has only been competing in international competition since 1988. Bearing this in mind, Samoa have performed excellently in qualifying for the final 10 in the 2008 World Cup. They have only made one previous appearance in the World Cup finals, reaching the quarter-finals on their debut in the 2000 tournament. The Samoan squad is all about power and pace, boasting a collection of superbly talented players from both the NRL and Super League. Ace goal-kicker Joseph Paulo of South Sydney Rabbitohs, who converted seven goals from eight attempts in the Repechage final against Lebanon, is a great asset from the NRL. Club team-mate Nigel Vagana has previously represented New Zealand at international level. This highly talented centre / five-eighth has yet to gain representative honours for Samoa, but has scored 10 tries in 32 appearances for his club and must provide considerable enhancement to the Samoans’ prospects. Another noteworthy inclusion from the NRL is full back Tangi Ropati of East Brisbane Tigers, while Super League representatives include Wigan Warriors’ centre George Carmont and Leeds Rhinos’ second row Ali Lauitiiti.

Prior to their clash with Ireland, Samoa take on Tonga on 31st October, a match that will see Samoa start warm favourites. Victory for Tonga will ensure their progression to the quarter-finals. However, if Samoa are successful, it will throw the group wide open, with the Ireland game deciding the group winners. It seems likely that Samoa will be victorious in both fixtures, qualifying to meet the Group B winners (probably France) in the quarter-finals.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds