Ireland shut out feeble Fiji

Craig Gilroy stole the spotlight as the Ulster wing scored three tries in Ireland's 53-0 rout of Fiji in a non-cap international at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Gilroy was one of three uncapped Ulster players named by Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who picked just three of the team that started last weekend's defeat against South Africa, and he seized his chance with a sensational display.

He bagged the first try in the 10th minute and fellow wing Fergus McFadden then crossed over for the second.

Hooker Sean Cronin scored Ireland's third try and centre Darren Cave added the fourth with a fine solo effort in the 31st minute.

McFadden got his second try soon after half-time and Gilroy scored two more before Luke Marshall capped the victory late on.

Gilroy has given Kidney food for thought as he prepares to select the team for next week's international against Argentina.

But, while Gilroy's performance was good news for Kidney, the Ireland coach will be concerned by the sight of John Muldoon being carried off with a leg injury.

Fiji coach Inoke Male made five changes to the side that started last week's 54-12 thrashing by England at Twickenham, but once again his team were completely outclassed.

Flyhalf Paddy Jackson got the Ireland scoring spree underway when he kicked the hosts into a seventh minute lead.

Gilroy was far too hot for Fiji to handle and he soon scored his first try, diving over in the corner after Marshall's run and pass carved through the visitors.

Ireland's second try came in the 21st minute when Gilroy weaved past several Fiji players before setting up McFadden for a try that needed confirmation from the TMO.

Gilroy combined with scrumhalf Conor Murray to lay on the next try for Cronin and Ulster centre Cave scored the fourth in the 31st minute, although Jackson missed the conversion.

McFadden's second try, set up by captain Jamie Heaslip's incisive run, continued the rout in the 44th minute.

Ireland were rampant now and Gilroy finished off a fine move which saw Jackson and Simon Zebo set up the opening.

Jackson and Iain Henderson laid the foundations for Ireland's final try as centre Marshall touched down in the closing stages.

The scorers:

For Ireland:

Tries: Gilroy 3, McFadden 2, Cronin, Cave, Gilroy, Marshall

Cons: Jackson 5     

Pens: Jackson

Teams:

Ireland: 15 Denis Hurley, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Luke Marshall, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip (captain), 7 John Muldoon, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 David Kilcoyne.

Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Donncha Ryan, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Jonathan Sexton, 23 Simon Zebo.

Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Simeli Koniferedi, 13 Vereniki Govena, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Watisoni Votu, 10 Jonetani Ralulu, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Nemani Nagusa, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Iliesa Ratuva, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Jerry Yanuyanutawa.

Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Manasa Saulo, 18 Setefano Somoca, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Jovili Domolailai, 21 Kelemedi Bola, 22 Saula Radidi/Ravai Fatiaki, 23 Timoci Matanavou.

Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)

Assistant referees: Neil Hennessy (Wales), Sean Brickell (Wales)

TMO: Gareth Simmonds (Wales)

AFP