Fiji will be looking to cap off their rather successful tour of Europe when they take on an Irish outfit that has quite lived up to their lofty standards this November. Darry Worthington previews.
Autumn Nations Series
Ireland v Fiji
Saturday 23 November, 15:10
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Last week’s narrow escape against Spain is certainly a blip on what has been a successful Northern Hemisphere tour for the Fijians so far. They now face up against a much-changed Irish outfit as they look to go three from three.
To Win Match
Ireland 1/20 | Draw 33/1 | Fiji 8/1
While the Irish did bag a win last weekend it was far from convincing, scraping past Argentina 22-19. A load of marginal calls went men in green’s way as their defensive line held firm following a late barrage by the South Americans.
Having taken a big 22-9 half-time lead, courtesy of tries from Jack Crowley, Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy, it looked like Ireland were on their way to a tidy old win. But – as was the case during their 13-23 loss to New Zealand – errors and ill-discipline would shackle them with Argentina having the better of the second stanza as Los Pumas closed the gap to 22-19.
A late yellow car for Argentine replacement prop Francisco Gomez Kodela looked like it would give the hosts the upper hand but they were unable to capitalise on the man advantage with a late knock-on gifting them a rather lucky victory.
Fiji were also far from their best this past weekend as they were pushed hard by an up-and-coming Spanish outfit. A last-quarter blitz from the Flying Fijians spared their blushes as they trailed their European opponents 19-7 with less than half an hour left in the fixture.
Four tries would settle matters however, with Sireli Maqala scoring in the 54th minute, Sam Matavesi in the 59th minute, Waisea Nayacalevu in the 63rd minute and debutant Setareki Turagacoke in the 69th minute.
Both teams have aspects to improve upon before this one with the Fijians needing to sharpen up their rolling maul as they had two tries disallowed for obstruction from the set piece, while Ireland really need to limit the number of penalties they give away at the breakdown.
In terms of team news for this one, it’s all change for the hosts with hooker Gus McCarthy and blindside flanker Cormac Izuchukwu set for debuts while Jamie Osbourne gets a start at fullback. Further changes see Sam Prendergast get his first start at fly-half while Tadhg Beirne comes into the second row.
On the Fijian side of things, the islanders are still without Semi Radradra due to his ban but have still been able to name a very tidy side with Josua Tuisova and Waisea Nayacalevu forming a devastating midfield combination.
Verdict: Fiji (+20.5) 20/21
They tend to get themselves up for the big ticket games and this is one they’ll be targeting. While I can’t see them grabbing a win, I see Fiji remaining within a big handicap.
