Samoa 16 Scotland 17

Samoa 49 Namibia 12

SAMOA produced one of their most memorable victories in international rugby yesterday, dealing a damaging World Cup blow to Ireland’s key group rivals only two months out from the tournament.

Australia have made a disastrous start to their World Cup preparations after suffering a shock 32-23 loss to underdogs Samoa at ANZ Stadium.

Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll knows Paddy Wallace’s “complete” performance in yesterday’s 61-17 victory over the Pacific Islanders will have impressed head coach Eddie O’Sullivan.

ONE HUNDRED and twenty eight years after the first ball was kicked in anger, the curtain finally came down on international action at the world’s oldest rugby arena yesterday.

THE next time an Irish team takes to the field will be in Cardiff next February on the opening Six Nations weekend and, according to Pacific Islanders coach Pat Lam, there is likely to be only one winner.

Ireland 61 Pacific Islanders 17

Scotland 34 Pacific Islanders 22

TASESA LAVEA’S switch from the Blues to the Chiefs was the surprise move as the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises were announced.