Couch Critic previews Saturday's Rugby World Cup Pool A clash between Ireland and Samoa with best bets from @Olimp_SA

Typhoon Hagibis has struck and now instead of three tantalising matches at the Rugby World Cup have come down to only one. Why decisions and arrangements couldn’t be made at an earlier stage we will never know, but the fact is we will have to make do without seeing New Zealand and Italy clash as well as England skipping a meeting with France.

Ireland vs Samoa, Saturday 12 October @ 12:45 (Fukuoka City)

What you need to know

Ireland gained plenty of believers when they dismantled Scotland in their opening fixture. But then serious doubts crept in for their supporters when the Irish slipped up against host nation Japan, relegating them to a possible date with defending champions, New Zealand in the Quarter Finals.

Samoa have had a disappointing World Cup campaign. They started positively enough with a victory over Russia but were poor against the Scots when they failed to register a point on the board. In their last game they pushed Japan hard until the final few minutes. The one thing Ireland will know is that this will not be an easy Saturday game of touchies in the park – the South Pacific Islanders will be ultra-physical and will be giving it their all in their final match.

The Irish will be breathing a huge sigh of relief as a typhoon cancelled contest for the Six Nations team could have seen them really struggle to make it out of the group stages. As things stand a bonus point victory for Ireland will ensure they stay on for at least one more week. It is thus no surprise to see Joe Schmidt opt for a very strong looking line-up. The Murray-Sexton combo is present along with the dangerous midfield combo of Aki and Henshaw. Healy, Best and Furlong are also a unit that needs no introduction.

How I see it panning out

Ireland were given a huge shock to their system when toppled by Japan in one of the biggest upsets of this World Cup. They also know full well what they need to do and I see them coming out and setting their stall early doors. Their defensive structures are also superb, and Samoa won’t be getting much past them. Sexton and Murray haven’t exactly been at their very best but look out for the experienced duo to lead the charge for the men in green.

On the exotic front the in-from Andrew Conway will be coming on off the bench and ready to help his team well and truly seal the game in the final quarter. Look out for him to be the last one crossing the whitewash.

Betolimp Best Bet: Ireland to beat the half time handicap of -13.5 @ 1.81

Special Play 1: Winning Margin – Ireland to win by 31-40 @ 4.00

Special Play 2: Anytime Tryscorer – Conor Murray @ 2.25

Special Play 3: Last Tryscorer – Andrew Conway @ 9.50

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

Couch Critic