Ireland scrape past fantastic Fiji

Ireland 23-20 Fiji

A single Ian Keatley penalty was all that separated the sides as Ireland recorded a 23-20 win over Fiji in Dublin.

Ireland were made to work hard for their win, despite taking a 17-3 lead thanks to tries from Darren Sweetnam, Dave Kearney and Jack Conan.

Fiji then fought back, with Henry Seniloli scoring shortly before half-time after a storming run from Nemani Nadolo, and Timoci Nagusa crossing for an intercept try five minutes after the break to level the scores.

Thereafter it was down to the kickers, with replacement fly-half Keatley outscoring Ben Volavola by two penalties to one, the Irishman’s second going over with eight minutes remaining.

Fly-half Joey Carbery, making only his second Test start, had a hand in Ireland’s opening try as he showed quick feet to dance through the Fiji defence and set up Sweetnam to score.

After Kearney had crossed over in the corner and Conan cantered in for a third try, the home side led 17-3 and looked out of sight of the islanders.

But just before half-time, the visitors turned on their Sevens skills as Nadolo produced a brilliant kick-and-collect before setting up Seniloli for the converted try. Five minutes after the break the scores were level when Nagusa intercepted an attempted pass from Kearney and raced clear to score under the posts.

Fiji botched two chances to score next – their handling letting them down close to the Ireland line, before substitute fly-half Ian Keatley kicked what proved the winning penalty eight minutes from the end.

Fiji have completed their fixtures for the year, while Ireland are at home to Argentina in their final game of 2017 on Saturday.

Ireland: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Chris Farrell, Stuart McCloskey, Dave Kearney; Joey Carbery, Kieran Marmion; Jack McGrath, Rob Herring, Andrew Porter; Ultan Dillane, Devin Toner;  Rhys Ruddock (c), Jordi Murphy, Jack Conan

Replacements: James Tracy, Cian Healy, Tadgh Furlong, Kieran Treadwell, CJ Stander, Luke McGrath, Ian Keatley, Robbie Henshaw.

Fiji: Kini Murimurivalu; Timoci Nagusa, Jale Vatubua, Levani Botia, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Henry Seniloli; Campese Ma’afu, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Manasa Saulo, Api Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Nemani Nagusa

Replacements: Sunai Koto, Peni Ravai, Kalivati Tawake, Sikeli Nabou, Peceli Yato/Semi Kunatani, Nikola Matawalu, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Vereniki Goneva.