Nations Championship: Ireland overcome Fiji 43-15 ahead of showdown with world champions South Africa next Saturday
Fiji went ahead briefly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin before Ireland overhauled them to take a 43-15 victory in the Nations Championship; Ireland are now gearing up for a showdown with world champions South Africa next Saturday
Saturday 14 November 2026 22:52, UK
Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 in Dublin in the Nations Championship.
The hosts had won all six previous Test matches between the sides but struggled for fluency and briefly trailed during an uncomfortable opening period at a subdued Aviva Stadium.
Robert Baloucoune scored twice in the first half for Andy Farrell's men after quick-fire tries from Fiji pair Josua Tuisova and Peceli Yato overhauled Tommy O'Brien's early opener.
Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, O'Brien and Nick Timoney went over in the second half as Ireland eventually pulled clear to keep alive their hopes of reaching the Nations Championship final.
Ireland are now gearing up for a showdown with world champions South Africa next weekend.
The result over Fiji leaves Ireland level on 20 points with second-placed England in the northern hemisphere standings - a point below leaders France - ahead of next week's mouthwatering clash with the Springboks.
Ireland must now beat South Africa and hope France, who host Argentina, and England, who take on New Zealand, falter in Saturday's matches to secure a place in the final at Twickenham on November 29.
