On the face of it, a record win over a side positioned about us on the IRB rankings, scoring five tries in the process, should provide the perfect launchpad for any new national coach.

Dave Kearney’s two-try debut haul put the gloss on a trademark Joe Schmidt victory, the perfect way for the new coach to launch Ireland’s autumn international series.

Injury-hit Samoa will be without five frontline stars for Saturday’s opening autumn international clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

CONNACHT’S young guns denied Manu Samoa a first win on their Northern Hemisphere tour at the Galway Sportsground last evening.