Ireland subdued a much-improved Fiji side with an impressive second-half showing to claim a 43-15 victory at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, November 14, 2026, according to The Irish Times match report.
The win was well tested by the visitors despite the final margin. Dominant play after the break secured the result for Andy Farrell’s team in the Nations Championship fixture.
ππππππππππ πππ πππππππ Ireland move the ball quickly across the pitch, with McCloskey picking out the winger, who has a simple finish in the corner. πΊIreland vs Fiji is LIVE on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.#VMSport #NationsChampionship #IREvFIJ pic.twitter.com/mbSgoHYH25
βThat was a thriller of a match,β Ryan Baird told Virgin Media.
βWe let them play more than weβd like to have played,β Baird told Virgin Media after winning player of the match.
πππππππ ππππ πππππ Prendergast shifts the ball out wide with a superb pass, allowing Baloucoune to find space on the wing and race over for the try! πΊIreland vs Fiji is LIVE on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.#VMSport #NationsChampionship #IREvFIJ pic.twitter.com/8Y8U1vv37G
Second half dominance
Ireland pulled away in the second period through tries from RΓ³nan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Sam OβBrien, and Nick Timoney. Porter scored clinically after a long delay following an incident involving James McNabney.
McNabney left the field for a head injury assessment after a high challenge from Inoke Ravuiwasa. The referee issued a yellow card to Ravuiwasa for the dangerous play.
π πππ ππππ πππ ππππ Juta Wainiqolo slices through the Irish defence before offloading inside to captain Yato, who powers over for Fiji's second try! πΊIreland vs Fiji is LIVE on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.#VMSport #NationsChampionship #IREvFIJ pic.twitter.com/MOZmmne0ny
Sam Prendergast added control through his general play despite struggling from the kicking tee. He delivered a sumptuous pass for O’Brien’s second-half try.
Fiji resistance
Fiji troubled the hosts throughout the first half with powerful ball-carrying and scores from Peceli Yato and Josua Tuisova. Captain Yato limped off injured after scoring his side’s second try.
"πΎπ¬π³π³ πΎπΆπΉπ²π¬π« ππΉπΆπ΄ π°πΉπ¬π³π¨π΅π«" Tommy OβBrien gets away after some lovely build-up play from Ireland! πΊIreland vs Fiji is LIVE on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.#VMSport #NationsChampionship #IREvFIJ pic.twitter.com/tEXLHvbmRs
Jiuta Wainiqolo starred for the visitors with dynamic running and solo breaks. Tadhg Beirne received a yellow card just before half-time, allowing Ben Volavola to kick a penalty.
βWe gave them too much ball and they punished us,β Baird told Virgin Media.
Match facts
| Team | Final Score | Key Try Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 43 | Tommy OβBrien, Robert Baloucoune, RΓ³nan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Sam OβBrien, Nick Timoney |
| Fiji | 15 | Josua Tuisova, Peceli Yato |
Questions about Ireland's victory over Fiji
When did Ireland play Fiji in the Nations Championship?
The fixture took place on Thursday, November 14, 2026, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Who won player of the match?
Ireland back row Ryan Baird claimed the player of the match award after the 43-15 victory.
What disciplinary action occurred during the match?
Tadhg Beirne received a yellow card for Ireland just before half-time, while Fiji’s Inoke Ravuiwasa was sin-binned in the second half.
Team selections
Ireland selected Mack Hansen, Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, Tommy OβBrien, Sam Prendergast, and Jamison Gibson-Park in the backs. Andrew Porter, RΓ³nan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, and Nick Timoney formed the pack.
Fiji deployed Ponipate Loganimasi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Setareki Bituniyata, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Luke Tagi, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Lekima Tagitagivalu, and Peceli Yato.
βPhysicality, physicality, physicalityβ – is how Baird answered a question about what they learnt ahead of the game against South Africa.