Ireland vs Fiji - Teams and Prediction

PREVIEW: Ireland may already be looking ahead to the highly anticipated meeting with the Springboks on November 21, but Andy Farrell’s men know a stern test awaits them against Fiji this weekend.

Ireland will welcome the Pacific Island side in Round Five of the Nations Championship at Aviva Stadium, eager to maintain their perfect home record so far.

After beating Argentina 42-12 last week, Farrell’s troops will be expected to get the job done against a Fiji side recovering from their hefty 17-54 loss to France.

History has not been on Fiji’s side in this clash, and Jake White’s men will need to pull a trick out of a hat to change that.

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Ireland have won all their last six outings against Fiji and, in the process, scored a whopping 259 points while conceding just 85.

They won last year’s meeting 52-17 after pulling away in the second half, though Fiji showed some resistance in the opening stanza.

Continuity key for Ireland ahead of Bok clash

Ireland boss Andy Farrell made seven changes and two positional shifts to the side that won against Argentina.

Dan Sheehan, who captained the side against Los Pumas, and No.8 Sean Jansen have been ruled out after sustaining knocks.

Meanwhile, Farrell has introduced the lively Jamison Gibson-Park, and he’ll pair up with flyhalf Sam Prendergast, and that’s a combination likely to face the Boks in Round Six of the competition.

A debut is also on the cards for Ulster’s James McNabney, who has been named on the bench. Tadhg Beirne will captain the side, with Farrell insisting the squad selected is far from being an experimental side.

“Continuity is good, but I don’t think there are that many changes,” he said.

“There are a few that we would have had to have made, but I think in this game in particular I like the look of the team.

“I like the look of last week’s team, but this – I wouldn’t say it’s an experimental team by any stretch of the imagination. This is a good side that should perform on Saturday.”

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Farrell has also selected Bundee Aki to start in the No.12 jersey, earning his first start since last November.

The interesting call, however, is that of Mack Hansen at fullback, and Farrell expects the Connacht speedster to deliver.

“He always goes roaming for the ball and tries to make a difference no matter what position he plays. We’ve certainly seen him do that for us as well at fullback.”

A lot to fix for Jake White’s Fiji

While Fiji showed some fight in the second half against France, Jake White cut a frustrated figure after the match, and rightfully so.

The former Bok coach expected his side to be in the fight for longer, and he’ll be hoping for the same this weekend.

Defending the maul will be key for Fiji after they conceded maul tries against France and showed vulnerability in defence. White knows what’s coming, and he expects Ireland to hold on to the ball for longer periods and put his side under immense pressure.

He expects his side to adapt to whatever situation confronts them, and problem-solve at an Aviva Stadium expected to be hostile.

“One thing Fiji has learnt over the years is we probably adapt more than anybody,” he said.

“We never play at home; we always play away from home. A lot of our players play overseas; we hardly have them together for long periods of time.

“Ireland are one team that hold on to the ball for even longer in terms of the way they attack. There will be things we’ll have to look at.”

Players to watch:

For Ireland: There will be a handful of players looking to put their hands up for Ireland, and eager to play themselves in the matchday squad for the Bok Test. Scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park will be one of them alongside Bundee Aki. Winger Robert Baloucoune will also aim to have a big game, and in the forward pack, you can keep an eye out for skipper Tadhg Beirne, Nick Timoney, and Josh van der Flier.

For Fiji: Peceli Yato returns to the side after a long time out, and he’ll wear the captain’s armband in search of a perfect performance. Hooker Tevita Ikanivere is one of the players who’ve retained his place from last week, and he’ll be crucial during set-piece time. The backline will be led by Ben Volavola, and centre Josua Tuisova will have to play his socks off if Fiji are to cause an unexpected upset.

See the teams and prediction below!

Prediction:

Rugby365: Ireland by 20 points

Teams:

Ireland: 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Tommy O’Brien, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter.
Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Sam Illo, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 James McNabney, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Stuart McCloskey.

Fiji: 15 Ponipate Logan imasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Setareki Bituniyata (debut), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Peceli Yato (captain), 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Mesake Vocevoce, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Joseva Tamani, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Peni Ravai.
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togi Atama, 17 Vilikesa Nairau, 18 Inoke Ravuwasa, 19 Kitione Salawa, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Terio Tamani, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Iosefo Masi.

Date: Saturday, November 14
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 20.10 UK & IRE (20.10 GMT; 08.10 FJT Sunday, November 15)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Damon Murphy (Australia)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)