Ireland concerned by state of pitch for Rugby World Cup game with Samoa
Ireland have voiced concerns with the Hakatanomori Stadium pitch before Saturdays critical Pool A match with Samoas state.
Scrum trainer Greg Feek revealed governing body Earth Rugby has contributed both Ireland and Samoaassurances that the pitch in the arena in Fukuoka stays safe for actions.
Large swathes of this Hakatanomori Stadium turf then discharged the USA 33-9, and were relaid over Canada in the aftermath of Italys 48-7 win.
Head coach Joe Schmidt appeared disappointed by the condition of the pitch in the captain of Irelands conduct on Friday.
Schmidt spent analyzing problematic strips of turf, revealing regions to both scrum coach Feek and the head of operations Ger Carmody of Ireland.
You guys are quite clever people, and also you would have seen the pitch yourselves, said Feek.
They informed us at an email, both groups understand about it. We knew they had needed to relay the pitch.
We went on the market, had a review and we have been given all of the assurances from World Rugby that it is safe to play and that is all we can ask for.
Obviously I do not want to call anything or cause any more controversy at this point.
We simply try to back the gamers, trust that the pitch will do its job.
Were attempting to alleviate some issues when we were out there, but its just a matter of wait and see.
The Warriors will probably be conscious of it, and whats key is that the communication is there.
World Rugby has issued a statement allaying fears which the surface is unsafe.
We are confident in the integrity of the new Fukuoka pitch for Ireland v Samoa, it read.
Together with stability and performance the essential factors, World Rugby and Japan Rugby 2019 chose the decision to re-turf the playing surface following significant wear due to the France v USA match after heavy rain as a consequence of Typhoon 17.
The main driver was player welfare.
The tournament has dedicated nurseries where backup turf is thoroughly prepared in line with RWC criteria.
While the look of the turf might not be perfect, as would be expected with a very recent installment, we are convinced the pitch will function beautifully
Scrum-specialist Feek admits the set-piece struggle could be in which the below-par pitch is tested at the weekend.
Asked whether scrummaging may prove the greatest difficulty, Feek continued:That is always my issue, no matter whether it is coaching or on the game pitch.
When it comes to a static isometric position where theres a couple of large packs going at it, you are always going to be more careful and ask the questions.
So weve only got to prepare our guys as best we could but be sure that the scrums stay up, not only for safety but also for the match also.
Ireland must conquer against Samoa using a bonus-point to ensure safe passage into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Scotlands final Pool A clash against Japan in Yokohama on Sunday stays under threat of cancellation due to Super Typhoon Hagibis.
A cancellation there might see the game ruled a scoreless draw with both teams given two things. That will leave Ireland unable to leapfrog Japan to top the poolso even a bonus-point win over Samoa would then liven a last-eight battle with New Zealand.
Together with the evident joins in the sections of turf creating issues for ramble or footing studs ireland grievance with the condition of the pitch in Fukuoka revolves round player security.
Wing Keith Earls indicated the surface maybe looks harder than it seems underfoot.
It doesnt look good, but to be truthful with you, however its flat and quite firm, said Earls.
It does not feel too terrible to run on. Its been inspected and seems playable and that is how now, it felt out there.
It is definitely going to be the exact same for both groups, and we are going to only have to get on with the task
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