What time and TV channel is Ireland v Fiji on today, team news and key battles
This is the sixth meeting of Ireland v Fiji, with the previous five victories going Ireland's way. However there opponents, at ninth in the world rankings, are a team on the up and will present a challenge to the new-look hosts
If the third fixture of Ireland's Autumn Series was always seen as the least important, there are plenty of reasons to counter that argument now.
A host of changes, including first Test starts for Sam Prendergast, Cormac Izuchukwu and Gus McCarthy - the latter two are making their Ireland debuts - freshens things up and gives supporters plenty to keep an eye on.
Andy Farrell has made seven changes in total and the players know what is expected of them - the last time that a number of players got a chance to impress against Fiji, the head coach was very unhappy with what he saw in a 35-17 victory on Lansdowne Road.
READ MORE:Storm Bert puts Ireland on red alert as they look to play the conditions right this time
READ MORE:Don't pull another Fiji, Andy Farrell warns Ireland's World Cup hopefuls
Joey Carbery hasn't played for Ireland since, although he is playing overseas since the summer. Nick Timoney, Max Deegan and Robert Baloucoune are in the same boat, with only Timoney still involved in the squad.
So while this is a new look Ireland team, Farrell will stand demand high performance and a level of cohesion that has been built up through training in recent weeks and in the opening games of the window against New Zealand and Argentina.
Where is the game on?
The game takes place at the Aviva Stadium
Sign up for our Rugby news service on Whats App
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest rugby news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
What time is kick-off?
The match kicks off at 3.10pm on Saturday.
What TV channel is it on?
It is being shown live on Virgin Media 1 and TNT Sports.
Betting Odds
Ireland 1/20 to win, Argentina 45/1 to win; draw 25/1
Teams
IRELAND: Jamie Osborne (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster); Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster); Andrew Porter (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht); Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster); Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Conor Murray (Munster), Ciarán Frawley (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster).
FIJI: V Karawalevu; J Wainiqolo, W Nayacalevu (capt), J Tuisova, P Loganimasi; C Muntz, F Lomani; E Mawi, T Ikanivere, L Tagi; M Vocevoce, T Mayanavanua; R Derenalagi, K Salawa, E Canakaivata.
Replacements: S Matavesi, H Hetet, S Tawake, S Turagacoke, A Tuisue, P Matawalu, V Botitu, S Maqala.
Team news
So there are Test debuts for Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and Ulster flanker Cormac Izuchukwu, a first start for Sam Prendergast and a third Test start for Jamie Osborne.
Ulster's in-form winger Jacob Stockdale makes a rare and welcome appearance in an Ireland jersey - only his fourth in almost three years.
With six changes to the bench, there should also be a chance to shine for Ciarán Frawley after his nightmare cameo against the All Blacks, and also for Cian Prendergast - Sam's older brother and the Connacht captain, whose opportunities at Test level have been limited.
In fact, for both Prendergast senior and Stockdale it should be a first cap since before last year's World Cup. Thomas Clarkson is also in line for his second cap after coming off the bench against Argentina eight days ago.
Bundee Aki comes back into the team after he was dropped after the All Blacks defeat, and Craig Casey gets his opportunity at scrum-half, with Conor Murray returning to the bench.
For Fiji, there are three changes from the team that beat Wales two weeks ago but head coach Mick Byrne is without star man Semi Radrada due to his red card in Cardiff.
Key battles
Jacob Stockdale v Jiuta Wainiqolo
A huge afternoon for 28-year-old Stockdale, who has played his way back into favour with Andy Farrell thanks to his prolific form for Ulster. Farrell now sees a rejuvenated and refocused winger from the one who has played for Ireland just four times in the past four years and was left out of last year's World Cup squad. Wainiqolo is a seasoned campaigner with Toulon and will be a challenging opponent, but Stockdale's defence has improved greatly.
Sam Prendergast v Caleb Muntz
Ireland's coaches believe 21-year-old Prendergast is ready for the Test arena. He showed some great touches in his cameo against Argentina, a tough stage to make his debut on given how close Ireland came to losing. Today, he'll get to run the attack and drive the team on from the start and it will be fascinating to watch how he goes. Caleb Muntz has been at No.10 for Fiji in their recent victories, including against Wales, and will look to put early pressure on the new-look home side.
Ratu Meli Derenalagi v Cormac Izuchukwu
This has been a good while coming for Ulster flanker known as 'Izzy'. Andy Farrell spoke this week of the difference he has seen in Izuchukwu from the player who went on the first Emerging Ireland tour to the 24-year-old who was on the most recent tour - the former Sevens star will be looking to make a massive impact in the back row. Meli Derenalagi is another Sevens veteran and an off-load specialist who must be closed down quickly.
Sign up for the latest sport news from our Irish Mirror sport newsletter here and receive special updates on the Ireland rugby team during the November internationals
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
