Rampant Ireland flatten Fiji in eight try rout

Gus McCarthy scored a debut try and Mack Hansen touched down twice as Ireland set aside their unconvincing start to the autumn to ease to a 52-17 win over Fiji in Dublin. Andy Farrell’s much-changed side were seeking an improved performance in their third outing of the month following a sobering defeat by New Zealand and a narrow success over Argentina. First-half scores from Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey and Hansen put the hosts in control at the Aviva Stadium.

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Ireland hold off Argentina to earn nervy win

Ireland got back to winning ways after last week’s defeat to New Zealand, but Andy Farrell’s side were given an almighty scare by Argentina, who threatened to pull off a first ever victory on Irish soil. The Six Nations champions were 22-19 winners in a tense and entertaining contest at Aviva Stadium, but questions will have to be asked of their second-half performance, after they were held scoreless for the final 50 minutes.

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Ferguson on target as Ireland edge out Finland

Evan Ferguson’s goal and a superb penalty save from Caoimhin Kelleher helped Ireland to a 1-0 win over Finland in their UEFA Nations League clash. Finland were twice denied by the woodwork before Brighton striker Ferguson headed in from a Mikey Johnston cross on the stroke of half-time. The visitors were pushing for a deserved leveller when they were awarded a 77th-minute penalty after a VAR check for a handball by Ferguson.

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All Blacks punish Ireland to inflict first home defeat since 2021

Ireland suffered a first home defeat in 20 games as New Zealand made little of their underdog status to record a 23-13 win in Dublin. The All Blacks played the conditions and the referee better and out-half Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties before Will Jordan continued his immaculate scoring record against Ireland with a 69th-minute try. Jack Crowley’s two-first half penalties had Ireland in touch but following Josh van der Flier’s converted try Andy Farrell’s side did not score again.

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Lookman shines as Atalanta outclass Leverkusen to win Europa League Final

Ademola Lookman scored a sensational hat-trick as Atalanta ended a 61-year trophy drought while devastating Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten season in the Europa League final at a boisterous Aviva Stadium. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen had not lost in 51 games this season and were only two matches from perfection. But former Charlton Athletic winger Lookman had other ideas scoring a superb hat-trick for La Dea.

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