Ireland Beat Fiji To Set Up Decisive Group Games In Nations Championship

Ireland beat Fiji to set up decisive group games in Nations Championship© X (Formerly Twitter)

Ireland ensured everything remains to play for in the final round of the Nations Championship group stage with a 43-15 victory over Fiji in Dublin on Saturday. The win on home soil, Ireland's 10th victory in as many matches against Fiji, left Andy Farrell's side level with England on 20 points, one behind Northern Hemisphere group leaders France. Next week, France will face Argentina, England will host New Zealand, and Ireland will take on four-time world champions South Africa. The All Blacks remain top of the Southern Hemisphere group despite their shock 35-28 defeat to Wales, and sit one point ahead of the Springboks, who lost 21-19 to France on Friday.

The final round of group-stage fixtures next weekend will determine the rankings heading into the finals weekend in London from November 27 to 30.

"We figured out the stuff we needed to do to get to a good place," Ireland No. 8 Nick Timoney told ITV.

Speaking about Fiji, he added: "One to 15 across the park, they're tough. It's good practice heading into next week."

Ireland made a strong start in Dublin, with winger Tommy O'Brien scoring the opening try after the hosts' first visit inside Fiji's 22-metre area in the eighth minute.

Sam Prendergast converted, but Fiji hit back when powerful centre Josua Tuisova crashed over after exploiting a gap in the Irish defensive line.

Fiji then took the lead when Jiuta Wainiqolo broke through the defence before offloading to No. 8 Peceli Yato, who crossed for a simple try.

Ireland, who opened the home leg of the competition with a 42-12 win over Argentina last week, responded through a brace from Rob Baloucoune.

Ronan Kelleher scored Ireland's fourth try early in the second half to secure a bonus point, before Andrew Porter crossed shortly afterwards following a yellow card for Fiji prop Inoke Ravuiwasa for a high swinging arm.

O'Brien grabbed his second try of the match before Timoney added the final score as Ireland pulled away.

The result leaves winless Fiji, who were also beaten 54-17 by France last week, still searching for their first victory in the inaugural competition.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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