Preview: Final warm-up game v Samoa gives Ireland a RWC trial run

Andy Farrell's message may have more nuance, but for the Irish fans watching tonight’s final Rugby World Cup warm-up game between Ireland and Samoa in Bayonne (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), the plan is simple: Get in, get the win, and get back on the plane in one piece.

While there have been a couple of injury scares to Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan, as well as minor knocks to Rónan Kelleher and Dave Kilcoyne, Ireland have got through the first two games of their warm-up campaign in better physical shape than others.

Hosts France have seen Romain Ntamack ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury, while influential prop Cyril Baille will miss the start of the tournament, including the opener against the All Blacks.

England have seen Anthony Watson sidelined, while Lood de Jager, Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am have all missed out for South Africa.

In the last 12 months, Farrell has often spoken about how quickly the best laid plans can go awry, and the 80 minutes of rugby that stands between he and naming his 33-man squad for the tournament on Sunday will feel like an eternity.

The Ireland coach may have his potential squad dotted into his notebook by now, but will hold off on revealing those selections until Sunday afternoon.

Of the 15 players starting tonight’s game at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne, the vast majority look like being safe picks for Sunday’s squad, while for others like Keith Earls and Stuart McCloskey, their inclusion in the side gives a strong hint that they will make the cut.

Tom Stewart (below) is the man with everything to gain and nothing to lose.

The 22-year-old comes in for his second cap and first Irish start, given a chance to impress in the first XV after a whirlwind year which saw him score 17 tries