Autumn International Preview: Ireland V Fiji

Ireland bid to keep their winning streak alive, when they meet Fiji in the second sold out Autumn International at the Aviva Stadium. Kick Off is at 1pm.

The hosts will look to extend their unbeaten streak to 18 matches if they can overcome a tough Fiji side, the win over the Springboks was Ireland’s 15th win in 17 matches, that impressive feet will look to be added to before a stern test with Australia awaits.

Tadhg Furlong will take the armband and lead out the Irish team on his 62nd test appearance, making him the 109th player to be chosen to captain the nation.

Jimmy O’Brien moves to his more natural home at full back, he made his first appearance last weekend having to come in at Centre for Stuart McCloskey who went off injured against South Africa. It is a much-changed line up for the game, but McCloskey retains his place in the team, despite going off with an arm injury last weekend

There are three uncapped players in the Match Day Squad, Jeremy Loughman starts at loosehead prop, while Cian Prendergast and Jack Crowley look to make an impact of the bench.

Johnny Sexton, Hugo Keenan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, James Ryan and Andrew Porter are all absent, with Garry Ringrose and Dan Sheehan named on the bench.

Joey Carbery is handed a start for the first time since the Six Nations win over Italy in February, while another return to the starters is Kieran Treadwell his first since July 2017.

Fiji Head Coach Vern Cotter has made eight changes and a few positional adjustments for their second Autumn Nations Cup match.

The front row is unchanged as Eroni Mawi is at Loosehead Prop, Sam Matavesi at Hooker and at Tighthead Prop is Manasa Saulo.

Isoa Nasilasila starts at lock and will pair up with powerful Ratu Leone Rotuisolia who gets his second straight game after making his debut against Scotland.

The forward pack is full of experience consisting of Albert Tuisue and Levani Botia at flanks and Viliame Mata at number eight.

In the back, Teti Tela starts at fly-half and will partner with half-back Frank Lomani. Kalaveti Ravouvou and captain Waisea Nayacalevu will continue their combinations in the midfield while Jiuta Wainiqolo comes in at right wing and Vinaya Habosi retains the number 11 jersey.

Setareki Tuicuvu moves to fullback after Kini Murimurivalu was ruled out due to an injury sustained during the match against Scotland last weekend.

Of the four previous meetings between the nations in Dublin, Ireland have been victorious on each occasion, when Fiji last visited in 2017, Ireland got out of dodge to win by three points, it was a tight game that easily could have been a loss in the end.

Fiji collapsed in the second half against Scotland in their first test match, managing three yellow cards, poor goal kicking and the inability to score, saw Scotland come out 28-12 winners as the Fijians in that second half especially just had no answer.

Signs point to an Ireland win but they must remain complacent and not get too ahead of themselves, knowing they pose a threat and showed it the last time they came to the Aviva, Ireland need a solid game plan like last weekend to ensure an 11th successive home victory.

Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.

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