Storm Bert puts Ireland on red alert as they look to play the conditions right this time
Ireland v Fiji: Caelan Doris forecasts a better Ireland performance against Fiji even in rainy and windy conditions, something that wasn't achieved against New Zealand in the opening Autumn Series game
Storm Bert has Caelan Doris on high alert as he backs Sam Prendergast to shine - but insists a new-look Ireland must get the basics right against Fiji.
Although the capital is expected to avoid the worst of the second big storm of the season, Andy Farrell's side are prepared for rain and high winds if that happens.
The All Blacks played the conditions better on the first night of Ireland's Autumn Series, using a clinical kicking game to great effect on their way to a 10-point victory.
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The hosts held off Argentina in more benign weather eight days ago but both sides could be facing difficulty this afternoon. Doris feels that with a more flowing attack - he insists that is possible despite the seven line-up changes - Ireland can eradicate the indiscipline that Fiji have said makes Farrell's side vulnerable.
“Yeah, definitely," the skipper said. "Possession, territory become a lot more important. The breakdown, set-piece, discipline - again - it’s going to be even more important.
"Building a score, if you go two scores clear then the opposition has to play the game a different way and start forcing things a little bit, which will be tricky in the conditions.
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“It’s still a little bit of an unknown, how it’s going to be. It’s supposed to be lashing overnight, whether it will be greasy or actually raining during the game I’m not sure but it’s definitely a factor we’ll have to consider.
"It’s a little bit of a different game but it’s still very enjoyable. A bit more attritional, it’s good for forwards, I’m going to be looking forward to it. When you’re soaking wet and muddy it’s more satisfying (to win)."
Doris puts Ireland's inability to score in the second half against Argentina and in the last 37 minutes against the All Blacks down to the discipline problems that have dogged them this month.
"We had five consecutive penalties against New Zealand in the second half in that period and that gave them a ton of momentum, possession, field position," he recalled.
"Against Argentina, between the 35th and the 65th we gave away a number of penalties as well. They had nine lineouts, we didn’t have any. So it’s largely down to our discipline, when it’s coming and the effect of it more than anything to do with our attack, I believe.
"It’s something we’ve spoken about a lot over the last couple of weeks. There’s no panic buttons being pushed but it’s just about not being desperate.
"I gave away two last week which were just sloppy offsides. There’s an onus on everyone to be a little bit more focused, a little bit sharper there - and take no chances."
With three players making their full debuts - Sam Prendergast starts after coming off the bench for his first taste of Test rugby last week, while Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu make their bows - playing in a cohesive manner will be a challenge.
READ MORE:RWI Player of the Year Caelan Doris opens up on dealing with the pressure to succeed with Ireland
Farrell will demand it, however, and it's a big afternoon for Prendergast as he gets his chance at No.10. "Yeah, a lot of confidence in him," said Doris. "He’s a top class player. His skill-set - I mentioned last week - is up there with the best I’ve seen, some of the stuff he does in training is ridiculous.
"He’s starting to bring the sort of game management and leading the week as well. He’s growing in that department, too. I’m excited to see him getting the opportunity at 10 and looking forward to seeing him take it tomorrow. It definitely puts a little bit of pressure to get that cohesion, but it comes pretty naturally through how we train.
"But there’s also an exciting element of the changes of giving guys chances for the first starts, debuts and trying to put all that together is an exciting challenge to get right."
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