The FIJI Water Flying Fijians concluded their European tour with a challenging 52-17 loss to Ireland in Dublin. The Irish team showcased their effectiveness right from the start, applying pressure on Fiji and maintaining control for much of the match.
Fiji had an early opportunity to score, with wing Jiuta Wainiqolo nearly reaching the try line in the 10th minute, but he came up short. Ireland quickly capitalized on this missed chance. Tries from Captain Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, and Mack Hansen, along with successful conversions by debutant flyhalf Sam Prendergast, allowed Ireland to establish a commanding 28-3 lead by halftime. Fiji’s only points in the first half came from a penalty kick by Caleb Muntz.
In the second half, Ireland continued to dominate with another try from Hansen, plus additional touchdowns from Bundee Aki, Gus McCarthy, and Ronan Kelleher. Despite the challenging outing, Fiji saw Kitione Salawa and promising young player Setareki Turagacoke cross the line for their own tries, with Muntz converting both.
**Team Lineups:**
Ireland’s lineup featured players like Jamie Osborne and Bundee Aki, with Caelan Doris serving as captain. The Fijian team included notable names such as Waisea Nayacalevu, who captained the side, and standout performers like Kitione Salawa.
While the loss was significant, it also highlighted the potential within the Fijian squad. The contributions from new players indicate a promising future. The experience gained from competing against a strong Irish side could serve as valuable preparation for upcoming matches.
Overall, while the defeat was disappointing, it also offers a learning opportunity for the Flying Fijians as they move forward in their rugby journey.
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