Ireland delivered an outstanding performance in their autumn international series, scoring a resounding 52-17 victory over Fiji in Dublin. Following a prior defeat to the All Blacks and a narrow win against Argentina, the Irish team showcased their dominance right from the start.
Captain Caelan Doris, one of the eight players who retained their spots in the lineup from the previous match, opened the scoring just four minutes into the game, marking his seventh try in his 46th Test. This early lead set the tone, but the Irish faced a brief setback when young fly-half Prendergast was sin-binned for a collision that resulted in a Fijian player being left shaken.
Despite having a player down, Ireland managed to maintain control and increase their score to 14-0 through a try from Josh van der Flier, successfully converted by Craig Casey in Prendergast’s absence. Fiji managed to respond with a penalty but soon found themselves on the receiving end of further discipline issues, resulting in another yellow card.
Ireland capitalized on Fiji’s ill-discipline, scoring again through Casey and extending their lead. The hosts concluded a commanding first-half performance with another try set up by a brilliant cross-field kick from Prendergast to Hansen, who finished the half at 28-3.
The second half saw continued pressure from Ireland, with player of the match Bundee Aki scoring shortly after the restart. With an eye on the upcoming Test against Australia, coach Andy Farrell began to rotate his players. Fiji briefly threatened with their first try from Kitione Salawa, but Ireland quickly responded with tries from debutants Gus McCarthy and Ronan Kelleher, cementing their dominance.
Although Fiji managed to score again, the match was firmly in Ireland’s control as they delivered a vibrant and assured performance. This victory not only lifts the spirits of the Irish team but also sets a positive precedent moving forward into their next fixtures.
Overall, Ireland’s performance against Fiji reflects their resilience and ability to bounce back from previous challenges, showcasing their potential as they prepare for future matches. With young talents like Prendergast and McCarthy stepping up, there is plenty of reason for optimism in the Irish camp as they look ahead.
Leave a comment