Ireland 52-17 Fiji: Resurgent hosts score eight tries in Dublin
Izuchukwu thought he had extended Ireland’s lead on his debut when he crossed after a fine Irish attack, but referee Holly Davidson ruled the game out due to Mark Hansen’s forward pass. Back.
Ireland responded, however, with Casey leaping in the corner to collect McCarthy’s pass from behind the mallet for his first international try.
Prendergast endured a difficult transition before his crowning moment in an Ireland shirt for the first time.
The 21-year-old spotted Hansen in the scrum and his perfectly placed kick was blocked by the Connacht wing and the game was red.
Prendergast’s third shot hit the post and Ireland ended the first half with a comfortable cushion.
Stockdale almost had a goal early in the second half after Prendergast’s perfect cross, but Ireland showed their dominance through Aki’s strike in the 46th minute.
McCarthy’s impressive debut continued after strong performances from Izuchukwu and Casey, who gained some yards at the 22 and unselfishly found Aki, who was able to pass unhindered.
Stockdale, making his first start for Ireland in 15 months, was forced off through injury and will be a worry for an Ulster side just two weeks away from European action when Salava makes his first start Fiji took advantage of the makeshift Irish backline when trying to cross. After the play went out of bounds on the sideline, Muntz completed the conversion.
Conor Murray, playing out wide following Stockdale’s injury, was denied a pass from Ciaran Frawley, but Davidson again adjudged the ball forward and the score was immediately canceled out.
But McCarthy made just six appearances for Leinster and made a brilliant Ireland debut with Prendergast’s modified maul before Fiji sprinted to the other end of the pitch for Setareki Turagakok Cross without question and chaos ensues.
The try-scorer was then sent to the penalty box for a tackle on Casey, an opportunity Hansen immediately capitalized on when he crossed in to end a frantic five-minute spell.
Substitute Kelleher scored in the last minute to cap off a strong performance for Ireland, with our eyes now turning to next Saturday’s final game of the autumn against the Wallabies.
