A Dominant Display Propels Ireland Back to World Rugby’s Top Two
Ireland 52
Fiji 17
Ireland have recorded back to back victories in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series following a one-sided 52-17 win over Fiji in Dublin on Saturday.
Player of the Match Bundee Aki led the way to an eight try win for Andy Farrell’s men, moving them back inside the top two of the world rankings.
It didn’t take long for the first score to come. Sam Prendergast’s excellent touch finder gave Ireland the platform, and after a delicate move where Josh van der Flier and Gus McCarthy combined, it was captain Caelan Doris who burrowed over from close range. Prendergast added the extras and Ireland were off to a flier after just five minutes.
The dream start for the young Kildare out-half was to be short lived however as he was sin-binned for a shoulder to the face of Kitione Salawa. A few minutes later the bunker review deemed there to be enough mitigation, so it remained yellow despite the threat of a red card.
In the meantime, the Flying Fijians found their mojo. Caleb Muntz’ crossfield kick picked out Patu Meli Derenalagi who set the visitors away, but after a brief TMO review, Toulon winger Jiuta Wainiqolo was adjudged to have grounded the ball before the line. Ireland got off the hook, helped massively by the last ditch tackles of Cormac Izuchukwu and Tadhg Beirne.
Ireland were back on the scoresheet before the quarter of the hour mark, with Doris and van der Flier again combining. Gus McCarthy’s quick tap penalty was pulled back to Doris who fed man in form Van der Flier for the score. Limerick man Craig Casey added the extras to leave the score at 14-0 after 14 minutes.
Fiji out-half Caleb Muntz clawed the deficit back moments later after Munster captain Tadhg Beirne went offside at the lineout. However, their momentum was also stalled with ill-discipline. Saracens loosehead prop Eroni Mawi saw yellow, and although Sam Prendergast failed to find touch from inside the 22, Fiji would regret being down a man.
That’s because Ireland embraced their inner Fijian with Craig Casey and Robbie Henshaw bringing Ireland to within striking distance. However, Hansen’s pass to Cormac Izuchukwu was said to have drifted forward by referee Hollie Davidson and the Offaly debutant was denied a try on his marquee start. It was marginal, but the score remained 14-3 for the time being.
Ireland would squander another opportunity after Jacob Stockdale’s offload to Mack Hansen was fumbled after what would have been an excellent first phase score. The attack continued to flow with Prendergast and Aki combining on multiple occasions, but to no avail.
It was when the visitors were restored to the full complement that Ireland pounced for a third try. This time the rolling maul proved effective with Gus McCarthy again the provider. UL alumnus Craig Casey dived over in the corner for his first try in green. Prendergast expertly added the extras from the tightest of angles, and Ireland were cruising.
Ireland capped off an entertaining opening forty with a fourth try of the half. Sam Prendergast’s cross field kick found Mack Hansen in acres of space, and Ireland took a 28-3 lead into the interval.
It didn’t take long before Ireland opened their account for the second half. Fan favourite Bundee Aki finished off some tasty interplay between backs and forwards for Ireland’s fifth of the evening.
A string of forced and tactical switches added a stop-start and janky feel to the game. With Conor Murray winning his 120th cap from the wing, this was to be expected, even if the Garryowen man was unfortunate to have a great try chalked off following a forward pass. What wasn’t expected was the next score as Fijian flanker Kitione Salawa crossed the whitewash to capitalise on a period of extended pressure and Ireland taking their foot off the gas.
Ireland’s rolling maul was rewarded again for their sixth try just after the hour mark. In an impressive showing across the park, Leinster’s Gus McCarthy was the beneficiary for a try on his debut.
Just moments later we saw Fiji’s typical swagger come to the fore. Replacement lock Setareki Turagacoke dived in under the posts after a swift half-break from Caleb Muntz to add a bit more gloss to the scoreline. The Stade Francais clubman saw yellow moments later in a whirlwind few minutes for the big man.
His cynical play was the catalyst for Ireand’s next try. Craig Casey’s sublime skip pass from the floor found Mack Hansen who finished from close range, and move Ireland further clear. Fellow Connacht back Bundee Aki almost got his second try of the night ten minutes from time, but the effort of multiple Fijians just about stopped the Irish colossus.
Ronan Kelleher rounded out the rout with time almost expired. The Leinster hooker expertly stepped past Wainiqolo and powered through Peni Matawelu to get Ireland past the fifty point barrier.
IRELAND: Jamie Osborne (Ciaran Frawley, 27’); Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw (Stuart McCloskey, 47’), Bundee Aki (Rónan Kelleher, 73’), Jacob Stockdale (Conor Murray, 49’); Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Andrew Porter (Tom O’Toole, 47’), Gus McCarthy*, Finlay Bealham (Thomas Clarkson, 47’); Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Cormac Izuchukwu* (Iain Henderson, 50’), Josh van der Flier (Cian Prendergast, 47’), Caelan Doris (Captain).
Tries: Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, Mack Hansen (2), Bundee Aki, Gus McCarthy, Ronan Kelleher
Conversions: Sam Prendergast (5/7), Craig Casey (1/1)
Yellow Card: Sam Prendergast
FIJI: Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (Co-Captain) (Vilimoni Botitu, 60’), Josua Tuisova, Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani (Peni Matawelu, 22’); Eroni Mawi (Haereiti Hetet, 50’), Tevita Ikanivere (Co-Captain) (Sam Matavesi, 50’), Luke Tagi; Mesake Vocevoce, Temp Manyanavanua (Setareki Turagacoke, 58’); Ratu Meli Derenalagi (Albert Tuisue, 58’), Kitione Salawa (Haereiti Hetet, 22’-28’), Eilia Canakaivata.
Replacements not used: 18. Samu Tawake, 23. Sireli Maqala.
Tries: Kitione Salawa, Setareki Turagacoke
Conversions: Caleb Muntz (2/2)
Penalties: Caleb Muntz (1/1)
Yellow Card: Eroni Mawi, Setareki Turagacoke
Player of the Match: Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)