Samoa's Michael Ala’alatoa: 'We don’t get these opportunities against the best in the world often'

The Leinster tighthead prop has mixed emotions following Samoa's loss to Ireland on Saturday.

Samoa’s Michael Ala’alatoa during the post-match press conference. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

It was Samoa taking a lap of honour and taking the plaudits at Stade Jean Dauger, the Bayonnais faithful having taken the adventurous Pacific Islanders to their hearts with their performance in defeat to Ireland.

Yet both head coach Seilala Mapasua and co-captain Michael Ala’alatoa knew they had learned valuable lessons from this 17-13 loss to the Six Nations champions on Saturday night.