STILL SAM WORK TO DO

Ireland scrape past islanders but there’s big concern over an injury to prop Healy

- MICHAEL SCULLY

Ireland 17 Samoa 13

 

IT was another torrid night in Bayonne as Ireland made it a record 13 wins in a row but Cian Healy's fourth World Cup could be over before it started.

The 35-year-old was a banker to feature at the tournament but is a massive injury concern for Andy Farrell ahead of today's final squad announcement.

Healy went down under pressure at a scrum 20 minutes in as the Samoa pack piled through at the Stade Jean Dauger.

The 125-times capped loosehead immediately sought assistance and knew almost as quickly that his calf had gone.

The loss of Healy, a 14-year Test veteran, would be a big blow, with late call-up Jeremy Loughman on stand-by for this afternoon's 33-man squad announcement.

"I saw what you saw, he pulled up sharp didn't he and struggled to get off the field so we'll try to get that assessed as soon as we possibly can, first thing in the morning, said Farrell.