IRELAND HAVE MADE a superb start against Samoa as they chase the bonus point in Fukuoka, with Joe Schmidt’s side swooping for three tries in the opening 20 minutes.
It took just over three minutes for Ireland to cross for the opening try of the game, and it came from captain Rory Best.
The Ulster man found Iain Henderson from the lineout, before joining the back of the maul and charging through the Samoan defence.
The Ireland captain has now scored four tries for Ireland since 2018, having scored just one try between 2013 to 2017.
Ireland doubled their lead six minutes later.
This time it was Tadhg Furlong who powered over, fending off the tackle of four Samoans before dotting down.
Johnny Sexton was next to cross, finishing off a fine move after Jordan Larmour made the initial break before finding the supporting run of his Leinster teammate.
Sexton converted his own try to take his haul to 11 points.
Samoa have since replied with a try from Jack Lam, taking the score to 21-5.