Ireland welcome Fiji to Dublin on Saturday afternoon looking to build on last weekend’s narrow Autumn Nations Series win over Argentina.
That victory against the Pumas was far from convincing and Andy Farrell will expect a more consistent performance against the islanders.
By the head coach’s standards, he has made a significant number of changes, seven, to his side as well as two positional switches.
A dangerous Fiji side arrive full of confidence after beating England, Australia and Wales over the last 15 months.
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ONLINE
We’ll have a live blog, match report, player ratings and post-game reaction from Aviva Stadium on rte.ie/sport.
RADIO
There will be live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1’s Saturday Sport.
TV
The game will be live on Virgin Media and TNT Sports.
WEATHER
The forecast for kick-off is for rain, while winds of around 31km/hr are predicted in temperatures of about 14C. There is a yellow warning for wind and rain in place from midnight but that is due to expire on Saturday at noon.
While Andy Farrell got the reaction he wanted for the opening half an hour in last weekend’s 22-19 win over Argentina, there was again a worrying fall-off with Ireland failing to score in the final 50 minutes, hanging on for a much-needed win.
Fiji, meanwhile, needed four second-half tries to overhaul Spain in their 33-19 win.
That was their second victory of the series following on from the 24-19 success in Wales, while the Pacific Nations Cup winners were hammered by Scotland, 57-17.
This is the sixth ever meeting between the teams with Ireland winning all previous games, averaging over 40 points per game.
However, Fiji almost pulled off a huge shock in 2017, losing 23-20, while the score was 35-17 when the teams last met in 2022.
The Pacific Islanders are ranked ninth in the world, while Ireland are currently second.
The hosts have made seven changes to their starting XV, including debuts for Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu (above), who will become the first Offaly man to play senior international rugby for Ireland, and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy.
Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale and Craig Casey come in to the backline, while Robbie Henshaw moves out to second centre.
In the pack, Izuchukwu’s inclusion sees Tadhg Beirne move to the second row, with McCarthy a straight replacement for Rónan Kelleher.
Tom O’Toole is on the bench covering loosehead, with Thomas Clarkson set for a second cap. Stuart McCloskey and Cian Prendergast are likely to get their first taste of action of the series.
Fiji boss Mick Byrne has made eight personnel changes.
Scrum-half Frank Lomani, centre Josua Tuisova and full-back Vuate Karawalevu have been recalled and Tevita Ikanivere returns at hooker, with Ratu Leone Rotuisolia restored at lock and flankers Meli Derenalagi and Kitione Salawa joining number 8 Elia Canakaivata in a fully-changed back row.
TEAMS
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.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco)
ARs: Matt Carley (Eng) & Sam Grove White (Sco)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
WHAT THEY SAID
Andy Farrell (Ireland head coach): “There were signs of improvement last weekend and this week has been about building and embracing the challenge of a talented Flying Fijian side who will be coming over to Dublin full of confidence after their recent displays.”
Mick Byrne (Fiji head coach): “When we come together in this programme, four weeks is a good opportunity for us up against world-class opposition. You really find out about yourself, you find out where you’re at, you find out about yourself as a coaching staff, as a playing group.”
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Ireland 35-17 Fiji – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (12 November 2022)
Ireland 23-20 Fiji – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (18 November 2017)
Ireland 41-6 Fiji – RDS, Dublin (21 November, 2009)
Ireland 64-17 Fiji – Lansdowne Road, Dublin (17 November, 2002)
Ireland 44-8 Fiji – Lansdowne Road, Dublin (18 November, 1995)
The Autumn Nations Series action kicks off in Paris this evening at 8.10pm with Argentina looking to get back to winning ways against France.
On Saturday Wales welcome world champions South Africa to Cardiff (5.40pm) with Warren Gatland remaining in charge for now. Italy host New Zealand at 8.10pm in Turin.
Joe Schmidt’s Australia are in Murrayfield on Sunday at 1.40pm to take on Scotland, while the final game of the weekend sees Eddie Jones’ Japan visit Twickenham to face England, kick-off 4.10pm.
FULL LIST OF FIXTURES AND RESULTS
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