Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 after second-half surge in Dublin

Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 in Dublin on Saturday, scoring seven tries to secure a bonus-point Nations Championship victory after leading by only two points at half-time. According to BBC Sport's match report, the hosts scored all 26 points of the second half to remain one point behind France at the top of the northern hemisphere table.

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Tommy O'Brien and Robert Baloucoune each scored twice for Andy Farrell's side, with Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and Nick Timoney also crossing. Sam Prendergast kicked three conversions and Ciaran Frawley added another. The result followed Ireland's victory over Argentina and left Fiji still without a point in the competition, despite a first-half performance that kept the outcome in doubt.

Ireland made seven changes to their starting team and lost centre Jamie Osborne to an early injury. O'Brien opened the scoring in the eighth minute after combining with Mack Hansen and Baloucoune. Jamison Gibson-Park subsequently reached the line but lost control while attempting to ground the ball, preventing Ireland from adding another try at that stage.

Fiji responded through Josua Tuisova, whose try followed a strong carry by Peceli Yato. Yato then scored himself after Jiuta Wainiqolo broke through the Irish defence. Baloucoune's two first-half tries helped Ireland regain the advantage, but a yellow card for captain Tadhg Beirne gave Ben Volavola the opportunity to kick a penalty. That brought Fiji within 17-15 at the interval, after they had also had a Luke Tagi effort disallowed for a knock-on.

Kelleher's second-half try increased Ireland's lead, and Fiji could not add to their own total. Debutant James McNabney made an immediate impact from the bench with a carry that ended near the line. Fiji prop Inoke Ravuiwasa was yellow-carded following the collision, while McNabney was unable to continue. Porter and Timoney were among Ireland's later scorers as the home side extended their advantage.

Fiji had entered the match seeking a first victory over Ireland after nine previous defeats in the fixture, and following a 54-17 loss to France. Ireland's next assignment is against South Africa in Dublin. Saturday's bonus point keeps them close to France in the northern hemisphere standings as that meeting approaches.