That defeat leaves Kidney’s men staring down the barrel of a fifth successive Test defeat with the World Cup in New Zealand now just a year away.

But the Ireland coach has warned his side not to force the issue against Samoa or risk embarrassment on home soil.

“We know the areas where we need to improve but my concern is that the players are so keen to get it right,” said Kidney.

“We must temper that keenness and believe in ourselves, stick to what we've done in training.

“There's nearly too much effort and that's the one thing we'll have to temper heading into the match.

“Samoa have come off the back of winning the Pacific Nations Cup with a lot of their current line-up missing.

“They're a side that comes together in World Cup year with the backing of International Rugby Board. They'll be very keen to start the autumn well and start building momentum.”