Ireland face Samoa needing bonus-point win amid concerns about pitch

• Fukuoka pitch has been heavily relaid in places• ‘We’ve been given assurances that it’s safe to play on’Ireland have expressed concerns about the state of the pitch before Saturday’s decisive Pool A World Cup match with Samoa at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium.Greg Feek, the scrum coach, revealed World Rugby has given both teams “assurances” the surface remains safe, however. Large swathes of the turf were relaid following Italy’s win over Canada, and then again after France dispatched the USA. Related: Joe Schmidt wants Ireland to focus on Samoa amid World Cup uncertainty Continue reading…