THE first rugby international to be played under the floodlights at Lansdowne Road was an occasion little short of humiliation for Ireland. Last night's game proved to be a singularly auspicious occasion for Western Samoa as the visitors revealed flair and pace that Ireland could never match. They thoroughly deserved their victory.

It was another notable achievement for the Western Samoans to add to their famous win over Wales in Cardiff five years ago. The performance from Ireland, with their fully professional team, was the worst possible advertisement for the pay-for-play era in the Irish context.

Together for almost a week, Ireland looked like a team that had come together for the first time. There is not one mitigating factor than one can offer in defence of this dreadful defeat.

While not wanting to detract from the Samoan victory, Ireland stand indicted for an error-ridden performance in which they consistently failed to put in the first tackle. They allowed Samoa the space to create.

The first 30 minutes was a nightmare for the Irish, littered with indecision as the Samoans took full advantage. They were 22-6 clear by the 27th minute. Ireland huffed and puffed but could knock nothing down. It took Ireland almost half an hour to establish a footing in the Samoans 22 for the first time. The forwards could get nothing going and the back row was ripped apart several times in that traumatic period.

Western Samoa issued their declaration of intent after two minutes when right wing Al'ata So'oalo got a try. Tuigamala had a hand in its creation. The score came after a chip by full back Simon Mason. Tuigamala gathered and threw a pass outside. Two skip passes later and the Irish defence was in shreds. So'oalo left the Irish defence in his wake as he galloped 60 metres to the Irish line.

The Irish just could not get their mauling going, while the Samoans dominated the line-out. If at times they were unorthodox in some of what they did - and crude in the manner of some of their tackling - they played Ireland off the field in that opening phase.

Their pace and handling ability were constantly in evidence and Ireland did not have the capacity to tie them down or tie them in. Whatever game plan Ireland had was left on the training ground: they were slow and inept in comparison to their visitors. Their assured handling bore the hallmark of confidence as Ireland stuttered and struggled.

With 13 minutes gone, centre To'o Vaega got Samoa's second try. Tuigamala yet again had a hand in its creation. The Samoans splendid out-half Earl Va'a converted for a 12-3 lead. Mason had kicked a penalty for Ireland after 11 minutes. The deficit might have been even greater. It was like the dancing master against the artisan.

Mason's second penalty kept Ireland in touch. However, even in this aspect of play Ireland were fallible. Mason missed three kicks at goal. Ireland needed everything they could muster.

When Veaga got Samoa's third try in the 27th minute and Va'a converted it was 22-6 and the signs were ominous for Ireland. The visiting side were playing with confidence and were by no means flattered by the scoreline.

Mason kicked two more penalties to reduce the deficit to 12-22, but Va'a kicked one for Samoa to leave them 25-12 in front at the interval.

The Irish backs never threatened in the opening half - and not much in the second - but Ireland should have got a penalty try for a high and dangerous tackle just before the break.

The Irish pack, among whom Jeremy Davidson was by some way the best and the only ball-winner in the line-out, showed some much-needed urgency in the second period, but Ireland's problems were then compounded by unforced handling errors, spilled ball and a lack of creativity behind the serum.

Ireland's attack did not carry any menace and James Topping on the left wing was the only man who could beat a tackle.

Too often the ball went to ground from where the Samoans found it easy to contain. The dreadful start weighed heavily on Ireland and their position became even perilous just after the break when Va'a kicked a penalty and Ireland trailed by 12-28.

Two penalties by Mason reduced the deficit to 18-28, but a dreadful drop-out from the Irish 22 proved the prelude to Western Samoa getting their fourth try in the 62nd minute. That made it 18-33. There was absolutely no comeback after that.

Ireland never moved the ball wide with any assurance and there are going to be some very anxious Irish players awaiting the announcement of the team to meet Australia. It will be chosen on Saturday night. The selectors will need to contemplate long and hard.

Ireland got one try. Appropriately it came after a tapped penalty and charge by Paul Wallace. Mason converted, but all it did was add some element of respectability to the scoreline. The number of loose kicks put in by Ireland added to their problems. The Samoans could scarcely believe their luck as they ran the ball back at the Irish.

It was also utterly appropriate. that Samoa got the final scores a try by Vaega and a conversion by V'a to hit the 40-points mark. A win by 15 points, they out-scored Ireland five tries to one. It is very difficult to find much in the way of consolation for Ireland.

No excuse can be offered. The only thing is that Ireland can surely play better and with more perception and tactical appreciation than they displayed in this performance. If not, we are in for a long, hard and unrewarding winter.

The performance of the A team in the afternoon was of a different dimension. The selectors should look into their hearts and take due note.