Anthony Foley doesn't quite shiver but the memories of his first captaincy assignment in rugby do not conjure much glamour. "It was the St Munchin's College under-13 team. We trained down in the worst pitch in the place. It was the lowest pitch and all the other four or five would drain into it when it rained. The runts down at the bottom corner."

On Sunday the Shannon and Munster number eight will enjoy the more salubrious surroundings of Lansdowne Road and the honour of leading Ireland for a first time in his 25th international against Samoa. He may not recall too many of his pre-match exhortations from his under-13 days but he can draw upon plenty of experience as a captain.

It was a role he fulfilled throughout his school days, including Junior and Senior Cup and also the Munster Schools on one occasion against Ulster in Cork. He thinks Munster might have lost that day. He captained Shannon for two seasons, Ireland's midweek side on the tour to South Africa in 1998, and, last year, Munster in the absence of Mick Galwey.

So what sort of a captain is he? "I'm not the most demanding guy. I tend to lead by example and ensure that things are done properly. I like to make sure that everyone adheres to the game plan and that nobody goes on his own trip.

"That is even more important at international level especially on Sunday when you're playing Samoa."

The reference to Sunday's game stems from an examination of the video of the Ireland Development XV match against the Samoans at Donnybrook last Sunday, a game in which the young Irish side prevailed. It was a very physical encounter and not always legitimately so.

"I saw yer man's (Samoan prop Tomato Leupolu who has subsequently been cited) tackle on Sheldon (Coulter). They're pretty much capable of doing that and upsetting you so you have to be clued in, keep a calm head and have clear objectives for our game."

Foley is conscious that for several individuals Sunday represents a great opportunity, and he will seek them out to help them deal with the expectations before they take the field. Jeremy Staunton makes his debut at full back.

"You need to talk to certain players. It will be a massive day for Jeremy (Staunton) because he'll be thinking all kinds of things in the changing-room.

"You'd probably talk to Jeremy a day or two before because you wouldn't want to confuse him going on to the pitch. You talk to your scrumhalf, outhalf, ensuring that the pivotal positions are clear on what we're trying to do."

Ireland coach Warren Gatland informed Foley that he would captain the side before training on Tuesday. "It was a nice surprise. I didn't think Gaillimh (Mick Galwey) was playing initially but then it turned out he was. It won't keep him quiet mind you. Woodie's (Keith Wood) going to be inside in the changing-room biting at the bit, so I mightn't be able to get a word in."

The huge physical demands placed on the players these days is certainly an issue but one which Foley feels is easier to deal with when in a winning mode.

"It would be different if we had this hectic schedule and we were being pummelled week in, week out. The fact that we are winning means that guys are dying to get out on the pitch and not give anyone the chance to get into the jersey."

He has the utmost respect for the Samoans, pointing out that they have beaten Ireland on the last two occasions the countries have met. But that will simply galvanise him to ensure that his first outing as Irish captain is a successful one.