Improved Ireland run riot against the Fijians

 Ireland 52, Fiji 17

THE scoreline tells the story of this Saturday’s game in the Aviva Stadium with Ireland fully desereving of their sizeable win. The result of this game was evident even at half time with the home side leading by 28-3. It had been a one-sided contest and Fiji had just a penalty from out-half to show for their 40 minute efforts. It took only four minutes for Ireland to get their first try, Caelan Doris going over and Sam Prendergast adding the conversion. The second try came on 14 minutes, van der Flier getting over, converted by Prendergast but the Fijis responed with a penalty from Caleb Muntz after 18 minutes. Two further tries for the Irish before halftime, one each from Craig Casey, who set up by Gus McCarthy, and a fourth one by Mack Hansen thanks to a cross field kick by Casey, both converted by Prendergast, ensure a happy home dressing room at the break.

The second half saw the Irish put the same pressure on their opponents and after six minutes Bundi Aki crashed over the line, Prendergast converted and Ireland led 35-3. Fiji replied with a try by Kitione Salawa, converted by Caleb Muntz, a try by Satareki Turagacoke, again converted by Caleb Muntz brought them to ten points and Ireland tries by Joe McCarthy, Mack Hansen and Ronan Kelliher finished a good night’s work winning 47-17.

Next up is a meeting with Australia next Saturday and it is expected that the Aussies will put a better show. Fiji fell assunder in the second quarter, their lineout was ragged and their penalty county was sizeable which played into the hands of their hosts. Ireland had outstanding players on view particularly Craig Casey who scored a try and added his first international conversion with that reliable left peg. Sam Prendergast also had a good outing but it was Bundi Aki who won the ‘Man of the Match’ award.

Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Andrew Porter, Gus McCarthy, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Cormac Izuchukwu, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.
Fiji: Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (co-capt), Josua Tuisova, Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (co-capt), Luke Tagi; Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua; Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Satareki Turagacoke, Albert Tuisue, Peni Matawalu, Vilmoni Botitu, Sireli Maqala.

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