mens
nations-championship
Ireland warmed up for the showdown with the world champions South Africa struggling to 43-15 Nations Championship victory over Fiji in Dublin.
The hosts had won all six of the previous Test matches between the teams but struggled for fluidity and briefly fell behind during an uncomfortable opening period at a subdued Aviva Stadium.
Robert Baloucoune scored twice in the first half for Andy Farrell’s men after quick-fire tries from Fijian Josua Tuisov and Peceli Yato deflected Tommy O’Brien’s opener.
Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, O’Brien and Nick Timoney converted in the second half as Ireland eventually pulled away to keep alive their hopes of reaching the Nations Championship final.
The result leaves Ireland level on 20 points with runners-up England in the Northern Hemisphere standings – a point below leaders France – ahead of a thrilling clash with the Springboks next week.
Head coach Farrell made seven personnel changes and two positional changes to his starting XV after last week’s convincing 42-12 win over Argentina, but insisted the selection was not experimental.
Winger O’Brien, one of those to remember, crossed down the left to give Ireland the lead in the eighth minute.
However, the hosts’ early promise faded after Jamison Gibson-Park had an effort ruled out on review for a tackle.
Fiji center Tuisova ran over from a lineout before Jiuta Wainiqolo burst through a weak Irish defense to equalize captain Yato and give the visitors the lead.
Boos echoed around the ground when referee Angus Gardner ruled that Ireland number eight Timoney had been kept on the line.
Baloucoune then crossed twice in quick succession down the right, either side of a foul on Fijian Luke Tagi, to restore order.
But Ireland ended an underwhelming opening period with a slender 17-15 lead as Ben Volavola kicked a penalty after home captain Tadhg Beirne was fouled.
Hooker Kelleher pounced early in the second half before O’Brien had to be on hand to deny Volavoli a breakaway try after a Sam Prendergast clearance.
Pop star Niall Horan was in the crowd at Lansdowne Road and the wacky competition gradually began to go in one direction.
James McNabney’s Ireland debut off the bench lasted a few minutes after he was flattened by a tackle, resulting in a yellow card for Fiji substitute Inoke Ravuiwas.
Loosehead prop Porter bulldozed after the incident before winger O’Brien’s 10th try in as many Tests extended the home side’s advantage further.
Timoney completed the scoring by stretching for the line late on, but Ireland have some work to do if they are to upset South Africa in seven days’ time.