Ireland 43-15 Fiji: Farrell admits flattering win before Springboks test

Andy Farrell admitted Ireland’s 43-15 win over Fiji flattered his side as attention turned to South Africa and a decisive weekend in the Nations Championship.

Ireland led only 17-15 at half-time at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night, before 26 unanswered second-half points secured a seven-try, bonus-point win.

What Andy Farrell said

Farrell was pleased with the result but honest about the performance, telling RTÉ Sport that the margin “flattered us a little bit”.

He said Ireland would take useful lessons into the visit of the world champions, which he described as a fantastic challenge.

Fiji coach Jake White, who won the 2007 World Cup with South Africa, felt his side had done Ireland a favour by letting them have possession and defending deep. He said South Africa would be more likely to convert the kind of chances Fiji wasted, including five-metre lineouts, scrums and tap penalties, RTÉ reported.

What it means for the Nations Championship final

Ireland are third in the Northern Hemisphere standings on 20 points. They are level with England but behind them on points difference, and one point behind leaders France.

Only the Northern Hemisphere winner reaches the final at Twickenham on 29 November. Ireland host South Africa in Dublin on Saturday 21 November. Victory would keep Ireland in contention, but qualification also depends on results elsewhere.

Injury worries for Ireland

Ireland face the Springboks with fresh injury concerns. Centre Jamie Osborne went off after three minutes with a suspected pectoral injury and is likely to miss the game, according to RTÉ.

Debutant James McNabney lasted only about four minutes off the bench before a head injury. Farrell confirmed McNabney will miss South Africa while completing his 12-day return-to-play protocol, The Irish Times reported.

How Ireland beat Fiji

Tommy O’Brien gave Ireland an early lead on seven minutes, but they wasted chances, with three potential first-half tries ruled out.

Fiji punished them through tries from Josua Tuisova and captain Peceli Yato. Rob Baloucoune scored twice before the break, but Tadhg Beirne was sent to the sin bin and Ben Volavola’s penalty made it 17-15 at half-time.

Ireland took control after the interval. Rónan Kelleher went over from a maul, Andrew Porter scored on 53 minutes and O’Brien added his second, before Nick Timoney scored a seventh try three minutes from time.

Sam Prendergast kicked three conversions and Ciarán Frawley added the last. RTÉ’s match report called it an unconvincing win, pointing to the missed chances and poor discipline.

Farrell had insisted before the game that his side was not an experimental Ireland team, despite seven changes. Our Ireland team vs Fiji story has the full line-up.

For more Test news and results, visit our international rugby hub.

Ireland 43-15 Fiji: FAQ

What was the score in Ireland vs Fiji?
Ireland won 43-15 at the Aviva Stadium, after leading 17-15 at half-time.

Who scored Ireland’s tries against Fiji?
Tommy O’Brien (2), Rob Baloucoune (2), Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and Nick Timoney.

When do Ireland play South Africa?
Saturday 21 November in Dublin.

Can Ireland reach the Nations Championship final?
Yes, but not on their own results alone. They are third on 20 points, behind England on points difference and one point behind France.