It wasn't easy on the eye, and it one of the ugliest wins Ireland wins in recent memory, but they showed impressive second-half resolve for a 17-13 win.
Few players stood out, but some caught the eye and have certainly advanced their World Cup prospects, whether it was to give them a better chance at getting on the plane, or give them a shot at making the first-choice 23.
Ryan Baird
Baird is already nailed on for the squad, with one of his most valuable assets being his ability to play lock and back row at a high level.
He is fresh off the best season of his career which saw him shine for Leinster at 6, and impress for Ireland during the Six Nations at 4.
While Iain Henderson would be seen as Ireland's third choice second row and part of the first choice 23, Baird has increased the pressure game on game, and today's clash no exception.
He stood out among the dross, with a very busy display as one of Ireland's main ball carriers, while also being a menace at the line out.
26 August 2023; Ryan Baird of Ireland is tackled by Jonathan Taumateine of Samoa during the Rugby World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Samoa at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Jeremy Loughman
Be default, given the nasty and saddening injury Cian Healy looked to have sustained, Loughman could have done anything in this game and his World Cup prospects would have been advanced.
He may already have been in Andy Farrell's 33-man squad, given the injury to Dave Kilcoyne, but there is a real chance that he could be second choice after initially missing out on selection for the World Cup training squad.
His performance off the bench will have pleased Farrell and Paul O'Connell, and although he struggled at times in the first-half, he was part of a group of Irish forward substitutions that brought Ireland back into the game and shored up the set piece at both scrum and line out.
25 August 2023; Jeremy Loughman during an Ireland rugby captain's run at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Jack Crowley
This pick is debatable, after a mixed bag display from the Munster 10, with a few poor decisions in his attacking kicking and an off day from the tee.
However, he showed glimpses of his brilliance, and his superior game breaking ability to Ross Byrne.
His first-half cross-field kick assist to Mack Hansen, under a tonne of Samoan pressure, was pinpoint and a highly difficult skill pull off.
We also saw other elements of his game such as his excellent kicking down the line, his quick feet, and his threat to the line.
There is a real argument to have him as Ireland's sub 10 at the World Cup, behind Sexton.
Also an honourable mention to Rob Herring. He reminded everyone that he is still the man in possession of the third choice hooker jersey, with a superb try scoring cameo.
26 August 2023; Jack Crowley of Ireland has a conversion attempt blocked by Jonathan Taumateine of Samoa during the Rugby World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Samoa at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
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