Nov 24,2024
Ireland scored eight tries as they beat Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series in Dublin in their best outing so far in November.
The 52-17 scoreline didn't flatter the hosts, who showed much improved discipline against the Fijians.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Jamie Osborne – 6.5
The full-back looked assured in the backfield and cleared well but his day was cut short after suffering a leg injury in the 27th minute. Beat a defender in one of five carries.
14. Mack Hansen - 7.5
Shows great judgement under high balls, consolidating well. Went looking for work off his wing and finished his two tries well. Carried nine times for 63 metres. Now has 12 international tries.
13. Robbie Henshaw - 7.5
Really lively first half from the Leinster centre, who beat seven defenders in that period. Unlucky not to have made the line. Was withdrawn early enough in the second half but has made his claim for a start against Australia.
12. Bundee Aki - 8.5
After being left out last week, Aki played like a man out to make a point with some ferocious tackles against much bigger men. Constantly gave Ireland front-foot ball, could have had two tries but had to settle for one. Had 17 carries in total and won a turnover.
11. Jacob Stockdale - 7.5
Would have provided Andy Farrell with exactly what he wanted, coming off his wing to get involved and injecting pace to the backline. Beat four defenders from 10 carries over 69 metres. Very unfortunate to come with a hamstring injury ten minutes into the second half.
10. Sam Prendergast – 7
Has to be marked down for his yellow card, which, on another day, could have been upgraded. The good parts were good and the bad parts were bad. Showed some lovely touches and set up Hansen for his first try. Kicked six conversions.
9. Craig Casey – 8.5
Excellent outing by the scrum-half, who had to play the full 80. Stood up to some tough hits from the Fijians but was never fazed. Fizzed the ball around with purpose, took his try brilliantly and can take the credit for Hansen's second. Kicked a conversion when Prendergast was in the bin.
1. Andrew Porter – 7
Quiet enough showing from the overworked loosehead. Made one run of note and put in five tackles. Hauled ashore early to save some legs for next weekend against Australia. Scrum was good.
2. Gus McCarthy – 8
The 21-year-old seemed to be constantly involved on his debut appearance. His throwing was poor and Ireland lost four lineouts. Other than that, the Leinster man will be delighted with his contribution. Set up tries for Doris, Casey and Aki and came up with one from a maul himself. Fit right in.
3. Finlay Bealham – 6.5
Shipped in with seven tackles in a physical battle with the Fijians. Solid at scrum-time.
4. Joe McCarthy – 7
Not as prominent in the loose as normal but chipped in at the lineout, winning four, and scrum. Missed a couple of tackles but stood up well to some powerful opponents.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 8
Moved back to the second row and had his best game of the series. The Munster man won six lineouts and stole one from the Fijians. Made 10 carries and won two turnovers. Made a good break at the start of the second half.
6. Cormac Izuchukwu – 6.5
Was quiet enough on debut. Might have thought he was unlucky to have a try ruled out for a forward pass in the first half but referee was well placed. Carried a few times and put in six tackles, including an early try-saver. Won a lineout ball and stole one as well.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7.5
Battled hard as usual and took his try, Ireland’s second, well. Made 35 metres and nine tackles. Withdrawn eight minutes into the second half with the job done, again to save energy for the Wallabies.
8. Caelan Doris – 8
Another best performance of the series, Doris was all-action. Made a team-high 15 tackles and 51 metres off 16 carries. Opened the scoring and assisted tries for Van der Flier and Rónan Kelleher, and lasted the full game.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Rónan Kelleher (for Aki 74) - Not on long enough to rate but took his try well.
17. Tom O'Toole (for Porter 48) - 5
Moved to loosehead and gave away two scrum penalties. Won’t be happy.
18. Thomas Clarkson (for Bealham 48) - 6
Put in four tackles in just over half an hour.
19. Iain Henderson (for Izuchukwu 51) -6.5
Claimed a lineout and worked hard.
20. Cian Prendergast (for Van der Flier 48) - 7
Was used well in the lineout, winning two throws, made three tackles.
21. Conor Murray (for Stockdale 50) - 7
Played out of position but reliable in that role.
22. Ciarán Frawley (for Osborne 27) - 7.5
Took an awful lot of punishment but was still standing at the end. Looked for and got plenty of attacking ball. Will be frustrated with pass for Murray that went forward.
23. Stuart McCloskey (for Henshaw 48) - 7
Lively on his first outing of the series, fully engaged and got his hands on the ball five times.
