Eire take step in proper route with resounding victory over Fiji at Aviva Stadium; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, Mack Hansen (2), Bundee Aki, Gus McCarthy and Ronan Kelleher all rating in 50-point rout; Eire host resurgent Australia in Dublin subsequent Saturday
Final Up to date: 23/11/24 5:39pm
Gus McCarthy put the seal on Eire’s victory with a debut strive
Gus McCarthy scored a debut attempt to Mack Hansen touched down twice as Eire put aside their unconvincing begin to the autumn to ease to a 52-17 win over Fiji in Dublin.
Andy Farrell’s much-changed aspect have been looking for an improved efficiency of their third outing of the month following a sobering defeat by New Zealand and a slender success over Argentina.
First-half scores from Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey and Hansen put the hosts in management on the Aviva Stadium.
Bundee Aki, 21-year-old hooker McCarthy, wing Hansen and Ronan Kelleher every crossed within the second interval, whereas rookie fly-half Sam Prendergast overcame an early yellow card to land 5 of seven conversions, with half-back accomplice Casey including the opposite.
Kitione Salawa and Setareki Turagacoke registered consolations for Fiji, however the Pacific Islanders, for whom Caleb Muntz kicked seven factors, have been properly overwhelmed as Eire warmed up for subsequent weekend’s autumn finale towards Joe Schmidt’s Australia by cruising to success.
Eire – Tries: Doris (5), Van der Flier (15), Casey (31), Hansen (42, 68), Aki (48), McCarthy (64), Kelleher (78); Conversions: Prendergast (6, 32, 43, 48, 65), Casey (16).
Fiji – Tries: Salawa (55), Turagacoke (66); Conversions: Muntz (56, 66); Penalties: Muntz (18).
Eire dominate Fiji in Dublin
Eire handed debuts to McCarthy and flanker Cormac Izuchukwu and a primary begin to No 10 Prendergast as a part of seven personnel adjustments following the nervy 22-19 conquer Los Pumas.
A assured begin from the hosts was rewarded by a fifth-minute strive when McCarthy, who was pictured in tears in the course of the anthems, obtained the ball again from his lineout throw to ship over skipper Doris.
Prendergast slotted the conversion however was sin-binned by referee Hollie Davidson simply two minutes later after leaning a shoulder into flanker Salawa.
Fiji arrived within the Irish capital sensing a vulnerability in regards to the hosts as they sought a primary victory on this fixture so as to add to latest scalps of England, Australia and Wales.
The guests fell agonisingly in need of capitalising on their numerical benefit when Jiuta Wainiqolo narrowly didn’t floor in the best nook earlier than Van der Flier powered over to stretch Eire’s lead.
After scrum-half Casey added the extras within the momentary absence of Prendergast, Muntz’s penalty put Fiji on the scoreboard, previous to prop Eroni Mawi being yellow carded as a result of away aspect’s persistent infringements.
Izuchukwu was then denied a debut rating due to an adjudged ahead cross from Hansen, a lot to the frustration of head coach Farrell.
Mack Hansen scored two tries as Eire ran riot in Dublin
Eire have been changing into more and more exasperated at their momentum being stifled by Fiji’s indiscipline with out additional playing cards being produced.
But they completed an encouraging first half with a 28-3 benefit after Casey acrobatically dived over in the best nook to assert his maiden worldwide strive, earlier than Prendergast’s cross-field kick gave Hansen a easy end.
Eire remained within the ascendancy following the restart and duly stretched their lead when the recalled Aki broke clear to the touch down.
A uncommon begin for Jacob Stockdale then ended prematurely when he limped off, leading to scrum-half Conor Murray taking part in the ultimate half an hour on the left wing.
Kitione Salawa crashed over for a second-half comfort for Fiji
Fiji gave Eire one thing to consider when Salawa crossed on the finish of a strong drive within the fifty fifth minute however McCarthy’s milestone strive following a rolling maul put the hosts again on the entrance foot.
With the competition changing into fragmented, substitute ahead Turagacoke impressively surged clear to as soon as once more reduce the Fijians’ deficit.
Nevertheless, {the teenager} was sin-binned for an infringement minutes later earlier than Hansen grabbed his second and substitute hooker Kelleher bulldozed over to cap a passable afternoon for the Six Nations champions.
What’s subsequent?
Eire conclude their Autumn Nations marketing campaign towards Australia in Dublin on November 30 (kick-off 3.10pm).
