Why do Samoa not get the respect they deserve?

First topic message reminder :

Planet Rugby are currently running a poll as follows.

Best chance of an upset this Saturday?
ITALY against Australia
ARGENTINA against England
JAPAN against Scotland
WALES against South Africa
SAMOA against Ireland
FRANCE against New Zealand

As Samoa are ranked higher than Ireland surely an Irish win would be the upset. This is not an anti Ireland post I just get annoyed by the assumption that the old guard are the top teams when results do not bear this out.

He is right, Samoa should be playing more games. Spot on there from EFS.

I'm really disappointed for them; unfortunately they are going to be taking their frustration out on us!

Samoa should get more games, but then you could make a case for any of a number of teams like Tonga, Fiji etc. Sadly most NH teams are going to want to play the Rugby Championship teams, as they're looking to compete above their level too.

Last year Samoa played against Wales, France, Italy, Scotland and South Africa. I'm sure they'll have more games against top tier opposition later in the year. Some people aren't happy unless they're having a whinge.

The Saint wrote:Last year Samoa played against Wales, France, Italy, Scotland and South Africa. I'm sure they'll have more games against top tier opposition later in the year. Some people aren't happy unless they're having a whinge.

That competition in the summer was a once off thing . It would be great if it was on again but I'd say we'll have to wait another 4 years

Wales are touring the Pacific Islands/Isles when the Lions are in NZ in 2017. They haven't announced which of the countries are being visited, but it's two out of the three.

Was it really a shock that Ireland beat Samoa? Not really.

Not really. Scoreline was surprising though, maybe Samoa have gone backwards?

The Saint wrote:Not really. Scoreline was surprising though, maybe Samoa have gone backwards?

A combination of being injury hit and Schmidt starting to bring the best out of Ireland.