Ireland v Fiji in focus: Five talking points ahead of Saturday's match
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 18/11/17 5:41pm
Ireland face Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action from 5.15pm in the second game of their autumn series.
Joe Schmidt has made 13 changes to his starting XV from last week's 38-3 victory over South Africa. Here are the major talking points ahead of the game...
Can Fiji make history?
Fiji's track record during the autumn in the northern hemisphere does not make for pretty reading.
The Flying Fijians are currently on a run of 14 matches without victory against Tier-1 nations at this time of the year.
Nantes 2007 was the scene of their last victory against a Tier-1 nation in this part of the world where they beat Wales 38-34 to dump Gareth Jenkins' side out of the Rugby World Cup.
Since then, Fiji have tasted defeat in Scotland, Ireland, France (twice), Italy (three times), England (three times), Wales (twice) and against Argentina in Twickenham at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Coach John McKee has selected a powerful squad of both local and overseas-based players, some of whom have experience of European conditions.
How the Fijians to adapt to the greasy conditions will be key in order to maximize their free-flowing style of play against the Irish and potentially claim a historic win.
A completely different Test for Ireland
Ireland's first Test in the autumn series was an extremely physical encounter against a structured Springbok outfit, and though the scoreline was a one-sided affair it was a brutal encounter at the contact area.
Allister Coetzee's side play a more conservative style of rugby in comparison to the open style of the Pacific islanders, with McKee's side renowned for throwing the ball around and offloading to powerful runners.
They may have succeeded in a big way last week, but how will Ireland fare against a completely different style of rugby?
The Fijians will pose a vastly different challenge to Joe Schmidt's men, especially in defence. Ireland's back three and new centre combination of Stuart McCloskey and Chris Farrell will certainly be tested and stretched if Fiji can obtain enough possession and quality ball.
In attack, Ireland could be best served in keeping to their processes and not getting loose in their forward forays, with the physical side of their play a likely avenue to success.
Pressure on Carbery
Having played all of his rugby for Leinster at full-back this season, Joey Carbery will be under a hefty bit of pressure to perform in the Ireland 10 shirt, with a certain Johnny Sexton given a week off.
The 22-year-old hasn't featured in the 10 shirt for Ireland since a sloppy display against the USA in June, in which he was charged down twice, gifting 14 points to the Eagles, missed several kicks and eventually succumbed to an ankle knock.
There's no doubting Carbery's qualities. His feet are outstanding, running ability superb and passing skilful. But sooner or later he will need to demonstrate he can effectively run a Test match.
Sexton put in another imperious display of class last weekend, but he won't be around forever and the depth at fly-half is not exactly bulging in Ireland.
Carbery had a good impact against South Africa and kicked a magnificent touchline conversion, but the game had long since been won.
Against Fiji, his task is to guide Ireland to victory and dictate the play successfully. Anything less would be a major step back in his budding career.
All Change in the Backrow
Last week against South Africa, Ireland's starting backrow were all Test Lions in the form of Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien and CJ Stander.
The trio thrived at the set-piece and dominated the breakdown as the Boks had little answer to Ireland's energy and accuracy around the park.
All three have been given a rest this week as Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy and Jack Conan come in, with Ruddock starting as captain.
The all-Leinster backrow will have to rely on more than brute strength to succeed against a cute and nifty Fijian side. Can any of them lay down a claim for a starting place against Argentina?
Ruddock had a big impact off the bench against the Springboks and Conan has been ultra-impressive so far this season in the absence of Jamie Heaslip.
Murphy has only recently returned having suffered an ACL tear in Ireland's famous victory over New Zealand in Chicago. It's a big opportunity for all of them.
Tough week for Ireland
It's been a tough week for sporting fans in Ireland.
On Tuesday, the Republic of Ireland football team missed out on a chance to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since 2002 with a 5-1 home defeat to Denmark in Dublin.
Wednesday saw France and not Ireland or World Rugby's recommended hosts South Africa, confirmed as hosts for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
In truth, it's been a fairly brutal few days for those on the Emerald Isle of a sporting persuasion, and many will look to the rugby team to provide some joy against Fiji in a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
That fixture has certainly taken on an added significance now!
Watch Ireland against Fiji live on Sky Sports Action on Saturday from 5.15pm.