Ireland will play their penultimate match of the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon when they take on Fiji in the Autumn Nation Series at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The hosts leapfrogged New Zealand into second place in the world rankings with a victory over Argentina last weekend, while Fiji remained ninth in the standings with a victory over Spain.
Match preview
Following their triumph over the world champions in July, expectations were sky-high for Ireland as they entered the November campaign, but things did not go as planned as they suffered a 23-13 defeat to the All Blacks in their first match of the Autumn internationals.
Last week, the Six Nations winners got back to winning ways, edging Los Pumas 22-19, but there were likely more negatives than positives that Andy Farrell would have taken from that match, as he watched his side clinging on for dear life in the closing stages.
It is fairly clear that the Shamrocks have fallen off their high standards this month; they have been full of mistakes which have led to far too many penalties when under pressure, and were arguably a tad fortunate to get the win last week thanks to a controversial knock-on decision against Argentina at the death.
However, despite their recent performances receiving criticism, Ireland are trying to turn over a new leaf with a view to the long-term success of the team, and it will be interesting to see how they progress in that regard given that Farrell will be off to lead the British and Irish Lions after this month's fixtures.
Still, Ireland are expected to claim a comfortable victory here but they will undoubtedly be put to a stern test by the immense physicality, and raw speed and trickery of this Fijian side.
Meanwhile, it has been an incredible couple of years for Fiji, which has included their first-ever last-eight appearance at a World Cup tournament, where they beat Australia for just the third time in their history en route to the quarter-final.
The Flying Fijians also secured their sixth Pacific Nations Cup title, beating Japan at a canter in September, but arguably the highlight of 2024 for them came a couple of weeks ago when they claimed their first win in Cardiff against Wales.
Last week, Mick Byrne's side went into their matchup against Spain as the clear favourites, and while the plucky Spaniards pushed them further than many had expected, the Pacific Islanders maintained pressure on their opponents in the final quarter and pulled away in the closing stages.
Undoubtedly, the future for Fijian rugby looks a lot brighter than it did a couple of years ago and much of their optimism for the future revolves around Caleb Muntz and Simione Kuruvoli, who are arguably one of the most dynamic halves pairing in world rugby at the moment.
Ireland form (all competitions):
- L
- W
- L
- W
- L
- W
Fiji form (all competitions):
- W
- W
- W
- L
- W
- W
Team News
Farrell has named two uncapped players in his starting lineup to face Fiji this weekend, with Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and Ulster's Cormac Izuchukwu both set to make their Ireland debuts.
Robbie Henshaw takes his place at outside centre, partnering with Bundee Aki in the midfield, while Sam Prendergast is poised to make his first Test start alongside Craig Casey in the half-back pairing.
Byrne made wholesale changes for last weekend's matchup against Spain but has reverted to a more familiar lineup this week, though Semi Radradra will not feature as he is still serving a suspension for his sending-off against Wales.
Elsewhere Luke Tagi steps in at tighthead prop, with Samu Tawake moving to the bench, while Mesake Vocevoce takes over from Isoa Nasilasila in the second row and Eroni Mawi completes the pack.
Ireland starting lineup: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Gus McCarthy, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O'Toole, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Stuart McCloskey
Fiji starting lineup: 15 Vuate Karawalevu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Ponepati Loganimasi, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Eroni Mawi, 7 Tevita Ikanivere, 6 Luke Tagi 5 Mesake Vocevoce, 4 Temo Mayanavanua, 3 Meli Derenalagi, 2 Kitione Salawa, 1 Elia Canakaivata
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Setareki Turagacoke, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Sireli Maqala
We say: Ireland 32-24 Fiji
Ireland have never lost to Fiji in three previous encounters, and while they have not been at their best in this year's Autumn Nations Series, we feel that they will be able to hold off the tricky Pacific Islanders in this one.
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