Good afternoon,

Welcome along as Andy Farrell’s side look to add another win in their Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium. Sinéad Farrell here to take you through the coverage.

Today, they host Fiji with some notable changes in the starting line-up. All eyes will be on Sam Prendergast as he makes his first start for Ireland at out-half after making an impressive debut off the bench against Argentina. Jamie Osborne at full-back will get a lot of attention too while Leinster hooker and former Ireland U20 Grand Slam winning captain Gus McCarthy makes his debut in the front row. Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu starts at blindside flanker for his first cap.

We’ll have team line-ups for you shortly as we edge towards the 3.10pm kick-off and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Ireland

15. Jamie Osborne
14. Mack Hansen
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Craig Casey

1. Andrew Porter
2. Gus McCarthy
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe McCarthy
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Cormac Izuchukwu
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Tom O’Toole
18. Thomas Clarkson
19. Iain Henderson
20. Cian Prendergast
21. Conor Murray
22. Ciaran Frawley
23. Stuart McCloskey

Fiji

15. Vuate Karawalevu;
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (co-capt)
12. Josua Tuisova
11. Ponipate Loganimasi
10. Caleb Muntz
9. Frank Lomani

1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere (co-capt)
3. Luke Tagi
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Temo Mayanavanua
6. Ratu Meli Derenalagi
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Elia Canakaivata.

Replacements:

16. Sam Matavesi
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Samu Tawake
19. Satareki Turagacoke
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Vilmoni Botitu
23. Sireli Maqala

Make your predictions here. How’s this going to go:

The teams are in the tunnel, ready for road.

Kick-Off! Ireland v Fiji

1 min: Ireland 0-0 Fiji

The visitors get us under way and Craig Casey kicks clear from the ruck. Jamie Osborne then makes a fine fetch and Ireland earn a penalty for taking the man out.

Ireland easing themselves into it.

2 mins: Ireland 0-0 Fiji

Gus McCarthy throws for the line-out but it’s not straight and Ireland are penalised. He’s clearly nervous and was quite emotional during the anthem so just needs a few minutes to get settled in.

4 mins: Ireland 0-0 Fiji

Jacob Stockdale slips a kick through along the wing and is the first to get there in time and get the tackle in.

Ireland then get a penalty which tees Sam Prendergast up for a kick at the corner. It’s time for the first maul of the day.

TRY! Ireland 7-0 Fiji (Caelan Doris ’4)

6 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Much better from McCarthy. He shakes off those nerves with a perfect pass and gets the offload from Josh van der Flier. The 21-year-old then slips the ball perfectly into the path of the Ireland captain Caelan Doris for the final push over the line.

Sam Prendergast converts comfortably and Ireland are up and running.

8 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Sam Prendergast could be in trouble here for a high challenge on Kitione Salawa.

8 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

And it is indeed a yellow. Prendergast can have no complaints there. His shoulder collided with the face and that’s a pity after opening up well in the early minutes of his first start.

9 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Fiji make a huge play, and the TMO is being called to see if they have a try.

10 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Jiuta Wainiqolo makes a great effort there. He stretches with all his might, but the replays show that he’s just short. So unlucky there as Ireland struggle a bit to adapt to the loss of Prendergast.

12 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Ireland have a scrum but Osborne slices his first kick, giving Fiji another go. Van der Flier intervenes to get possession back and Osborne’s second kick is much better and gives Ireland some respite from the Fiji pressure.

The play ends in a penalty for Ireland after some great work from Joe McCarthy.

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍! ☘️

The Irish skipper gets over to score after just 5 minutes!

Lovely assist from Gus McCarthy! #IREvFIJ | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/6OZ3p4fGwE

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 23, 2024

14 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Update on Prendergast’s sin-bin: the yellow card will remain a yellow so the Leinster out-half will come back onto the field soon.

𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 🟨

Sam Prendergast off with a bunker review for a high challenge.#IREvFIJ | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/KpRRyecO1p

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 23, 2024

14 mins: Ireland 7-0 Fiji

Super line break from Robbie Henshaw after gathering a pass from his old Connacht teammate Bundee Aki. Ireland now have a penalty in an inviting position.

TRY! Ireland 14-0 Fiji (Josh van der Flier ’15)

15 mins: Ireland 14-0 Fiji

Ireland go over for a second time after a quick tap which sees Doris feed van der Flier for the touchdown.

With Prendergast off, the kicking duties pass to Craig Casey and it’s a simple swipe over the bar to double Ireland’s advantage.

19 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Caleb Muntz gets Fiji on the board with a well-struck penalty. Prendergast is back on the field and he will start us up again.

Meanwhile, Fiji prop Eroni Mawi has been sin-binned for too many fouls as he pulls an illegal lift on Doris.

𝐕𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐑!

Very clever from Ireland with the tap and go! Casey adds the extras with Prendergast off the pitch.

☘️ 14-0 🇫🇯#IREvFIJ | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/CMh8L9WI2V

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 23, 2024

21 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Prendergast attempts a 50:22 but he kicks it out on the full.

22 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Ireland make a great break through Craig Casey and some brilliant passing puts them well inside Fiji territory. Mack Hansen sends a pass out wide to Cormac Izuchukwu for the try but it’s forward. A let off for Fiji.

24 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Good kick from Caleb Muntz to push Ireland back to the halfway line.

25 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Ireland almost in there for a third try after a super pass from Stockdale to Hansen. But the Connacht man fumbles possession so Fiji get the ball back again.

28 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Whopper of a tackle on Hansen after making a good catch. Ireland have the ball again though as Prendergast sprays the ball wide to Hansen.

Van der Flier then thunders through a tight gap but Prendergast gets swallowed up to bring the move to a halt. It’s a knock-on against Fiji in the tackle so Craig Casey will put in for the scrum.

Meanwhile, Osborne is forced to go off and has been replaced by Ciarán Frawley.

29 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Ireland are in the corner, looking for blood again.

28 mins: Ireland 14-3 Fiji

Ireland go on the maul which ends in an offside call against Fiji’s Josua Tuisova. Ireland will reset for another go.

TRY! Ireland 21-3 Fiji (Craig Casey ’30)

32 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

Another successful lineout and it’s McCarthy who peels the ball out to put Casey in at the corner. The Munster scrum-half lifts his legs to ensure he’s not put into touch, and it’s try number three for Ireland.

Prendergast drills his conversion over from a tight spot.

34 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

Another wayward lineout throw from McCarthy as Fiji get the scrum.

36 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

Nice step from Stockdale to help Ireland advance. The ball comes out to van der Flier after a great looping pass from Prendergast. But his attempt to link up with Aki is forward.

Fiji go long and get the 50:22.

37 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

Frawley is down in pain after taking a heavy hit by prop Eroni Mawi. He’s receiving treatment now. 

38 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

He’s back up and appears to ok to continue. Play continues with a Fiji lineout, which they lose.

Great footwork from Henshaw as Ireland try to engineer another attack.

39 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

Stockdale manages to wriggle free as Ireland work through the phases. They’re making good use of the width but there’s been a lot of errors, misplaced passes and poor shape which would get punished against tougher opposition. 

Ireland have a penalty for a late challenge on Casey which he is getting some treatment.

41 mins: Ireland 21-3 Fiji

Ireland’s lineout malfunctioning again after finding the corner as Fiji manage to disrupt it. The hosts now have a scrum.

TRY! Ireland 28-3 Fiji (Mack Hansen ’41)

Half-Time! Ireland 28-3 Fiji 

Ireland 28-3 Fiji

What a try from Ireland as Prendergast punts a lovely crossfield kick into the path of Hansen who gathers and slides over for Ireland’s fourth try of the game.

Prendergast converts with the aid of the post as Ireland go in with a comfortable lead at the break.

Tries from Doris, van der Flier and Casey were the other big highlights for Andy Farrell’s side in the first half but there have been some mistakes that they won’t be happy with.

𝐒𝐀𝐌 🚀 𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐊

Brilliant try from Ireland to finish the half!

☘️ 26-3 🇫🇯 #IREvFIJ | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/Meg8d5zEEY

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 23, 2024

Second half: Ireland 28-3 Fiji

40 mins: Ireland 28-3 Fiji

Tadhg Beirne breaks through as does Frawley who seems to have shaken off the effects of that knock in the first half. 

43 mins: Ireland 28-3 Fiji

Stockdale just inches short of getting Ireland’s fifth try, but Ireland are keeping the pressure up. Frawley needs attention again however after taking a hard hit to the floor with his head.

44 mins: Ireland 28-3 Fiji

Ireland put in for a scrum but referee Hollie Davidson is not happy and calls for a reset.

45 mins: Ireland 28-3 Fiji

Better success at the second time of asking and Casey releases to start up an Ireland attack. They make great ground, and have a chance to create something from a lineout.

TRY! Ireland 35-3 Fiji (Bundee Aki ’47)

48 mins: Ireland 35-3 Fiji

Aki races through after gathering a Gus McCarthy pass. The TMO was called briefly to make sure there was no obstruction, and the replay shows nothing is afoot. Good string of passes and McCarthy times his final pass brilliantly to allow Aki fly through for Ireland’s fifth try.

50 mins: Ireland 35-3 Fiji 

Ireland changes: Cian Prendergast, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, McCloskey coming in for Van der Flier, Bealham, Porter and Henshaw. 

Jacob Stockdale has to make way too and is replaced by Conor Murray.

51 mins: Ireland 35-3 Fiji

Ireland change: Iain Henderson comes on for Cormac Izuchukwu.

"Do I create that hole?"

Ireland get their fifth try through Bundee Aki!

Referee Hollie Davidson took a hit in the build-up so a TMO Review was needed to check for obstruction.

☘️ 35-3 🇫🇯 #IREvFIJ | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/ss3HZXzYPy

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 23, 2024

53 mins: Ireland 35-3 Fiji 

Fiji are in Ireland’s corner but don’t manage to get a maul from their lineout. They still have possession though. Now they just need to make Ireland blink.

TRY! Ireland 35-10 Fiji (Kitione Salawa ’54)

56 mins: Ireland 35-10 Fiji

Kitione Salawa reaches over for the vital touchdown after squeezing his way through from the ruck. Great score from the flanker who got a terrific try-saving tackle on Frawley at the other end.

57 mins: Ireland 35-10 Fiji

Ireland go up the other end and find the corner once more. McCarthy throws well and Ireland are looking for a way in for try number six.

58 mins: Ireland 35-10 Fiji

Another delicious pass from Prendergast to find Frawley. Just one more offload to Conor Murray required for the try. He gets the release but it’s forward as Murray gets around the Fiji cover. Good footwork but Ireland make another error with their passing.

60 mins: Ireland 35-10 Fiji

Casey down again needing some treatment and the medics are on to apply some strapping.

61 mins: Ireland 35-10 Fiji

Good Ireland lineout. They spread the play wide to the opposite wing as Prendergast tries a grubber kick. Good idea but it doesn’t come off.

62 mins: Ireland 35-10 Fiji

Hansen does well to keep the ball in play after a pass catches him off guard. Casey then tries to emulate Prendergast with a kick across to Joe McCarthy which doesn’t come off. 

But we’re coming back for an Ireland penalty.

TRY! Ireland 42-10 Fiji (Gus McCarthy ’63)

TRY! Ireland 42-17 Fiji (Satareki Turagacoke ’65)

67 mins: Ireland 42-17 Fiji

Two tries in as many minutes.

Gus McCarthy plows over from the maul to cap off a brilliant debut at hooker. But Fiji go marching up in the next attack and the brilliant Caleb Muntz releases the vital pass to  Satareki Turagacoke for a simple run through to get Fiji’s first try of the game.

TRY! Ireland 47-17 Fiji (Mack Hansen ’68)

Hansen lunges in at the corner for his second of the night after a swift offload from Casey at the ruck after some strong phase play.

Prendergast misses his first conversion of the night.

72 mins: Ireland 47-17 Fiji

Aki strength!

Unbelievable from the Connacht centre to carry strongly through the Fiji cover and absorb the tackles with ease. He trundles over the line with his back turned to the Fiji tacklers in a terrific demonstration of his power. But the referee says he’s been held up.

75 mins: Ireland 47-17 Fiji

Ireland change: Ronan Kelleher is on for Aki. Interestingly, Doris will switch into the centre and Gus McCarthy will go into the back row.

77 mins: Ireland 47-17 Fiji

Man of the Match award goes to Bundee Aki!

TRY! Ireland 52-17 Fiji (Rónan Kelleher ’78)

79 mins: Ireland 52-17 Fiji

Brilliant set-piece from Ireland. The ball comes down to Doris from the lineout who draws the player in before passing to Kelleher who gets across with a big surge.

Full-Time! Ireland 52-17 Fiji

Ireland 52-17 Fiji

A second win on the bounce for Ireland to put them in a good position ahead of their final November International against Australia.

Two tries from Mack Hansen along with tries from Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Craig Casey, Bundee Aki, Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier gives Ireland a comfortable victory while Sam Prendergast looked strong and assured in his first start at out-half.

Well, that’s all from us, folks. Stick around for our post-match coverage but for now, good luck!