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Ireland vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from autumn international as Ireland cruise to win

Ireland 35-17 Fiji: Nick Timoney scored twice as Ireland ran in five tries against their 14-man opponents

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 12 November 2022 10:19 EST
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Ireland triumphed over Fiji in Dublin
Ireland triumphed over Fiji in Dublin (REUTERS)

Ireland convincingly beat 14-man Fiji in Dublin as they ran in five tries during a 35-17 win.

Nick Timoney went over twice, while Robert Baloucoune, Mack Hansen and Cian Healy also dotted down for the hosts. Fiji showed flashes of their ability with two superb scores from Kalaveti Ravouvou and Simione Kuruvoli but Albert Tuisue’s red card for a high hit on Joey Carbery ended any realistic chance of victory.

Last week, Ireland showcased why they are the number one side in the world with a hard-fought win over world champions South Africa. Fiji didn’t pose the same test but the hosts were clinical enough when they needed to be.

Andy Farrell made wholesale changes to his team with a further Test against Australia to come next weekend and some of the new faces laid down a marker as the like of Timoney, Kieran Treadwell and Stuart McCloskey all shone to give their coach something to think about.

Relive the action as Ireland beat Fiji in Dublin:

Ireland 21-10 Fiji, 42 minutes

Kieran Treadwell thunders on to a pass, hitting a lusty line to nearly make a telling cut. But Fiji reform defensively, and Mack Hansen fumbles an inside pass.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 14:10

Ireland 21-10 Fiji, 41 minutes

We’ve seen precious little of Jiuta Wainiqolo so far today, which is a shame, but the creative wing makes a metre or two with some jab-stepping after taking the kick off.

Back row colleague Setareki Tuicuvu makes a mess of an Irish kick and hurries a clearance away, making only 15 metres or so. Ireland lineout just outside the Fijian 22 - but the hosts are down to 14 for now with Jimmy O’Brien receiving treatment in the backfield.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 14:09

Back out there

Fiji are already assembled for the restart as the Irish XV stomp back on to the pitch. Joey Carbery will get the second 40 minutes underway.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 14:07

Action elsewhere

A rather tasty result is brewing in Florence - Italy are good value for a 17-8 half-time lead against Australia.

The angel-faced Ange Capuozzo finished off this beauty of a score.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 14:00

H/T: Ireland 21-10 Fiji

Three tries for Ireland, but you suspect Andy Farrell won’t be entirely happy with that first half performance. The home side have had plenty of ball in the Fijian 22 but have been a little short of accuracy at times, with the visitors improving defensively as the half wore on.

Fiji faded in the second half against Scotland last week - can they produce a better showing after the interval this?

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 13:58

HALF TIME! IRELAND 21-10 FIJI

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 13:53

Ireland 21-10 Fiji, 40 minutes

Fiji earn a turnover penalty, though, and that’ll do us for the first half.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 13:53

Ireland 21-10 Fiji, 39 minutes

Fiji’s lineout is again messy, but Frank Lomani slithers between the forward bodies to ensure his side have some form of ball with which to work.

But not for long! A forthright counter-ruck is triggered by a secure Garry Ringrose tackle behind the gainline, and Ireland have the ball. Toed up the left, Fiji forced out - Ireland again with a lineout to throw deep beyond enemy lines.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 13:52

Ireland 21-10 Fiji, 38 minutes

Steelier stuff from Fiji. A stern inspection of an Irish carrier’s ribs forces a knock on, and Eroni Mawi then drives through Tadhg Furlong at the scrum.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 13:49

Ireland 21-10 Fiji, 36 minutes

There is, in fact, no penalty to come back to, so it will be Fiji’s lineout ball. That’s an efficient exit - long lineout into midfield giving the space for a thumped kick up towards the ten-metre line.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 November 2022 13:47

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