Ireland completed their three match Summer tour in the Southern Hemisphere with a 40-14 win over Samoa on Saturday, in a game that saw Munster players very much to the fore, despite the blistering heat conditions.

Outhalf Ronan O'Gara was responsible for 32 of his side's total, he contributed two tries, two conversions, five penalties and rounded up with a superb drop goal.

Centre Mike Mullins set up the first of the tries, while John Kelly was his usual industrious self.

It was up front that the foundation for this highly credible victory was laid and in that particular area, no one shone as brightly - if that was possible in the scorching sun - as Limerick's Paul O'Connell. The Munster man was simply outstanding, helped in no small way by Donncha O'Callaghan when he came on in the 18th minute as a replacement for the injured Leo Cullen.

There was disappointment for Anthony Horgan, who was forced to retire in the second half suffering from sun stroke. However in the short time that he was on the field, he showed enough to ensure that he will add to his international tally.

The players now take a welcome break with the next item on the agenda the pre-world cup Internationals in August, but before that they will be heading to Poland for the now usual training camp in Spala.