Farrell says scoreline flattered Ireland after 43-15 win over Fiji

Andy Farrell acknowledged that Ireland's 43-15 victory over Fiji overstated their control of Saturday's Nations Championship match in Dublin, after his team needed a strong second half to escape a close contest. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Ireland coach said Fiji had caused problems in physical exchanges, aerial contests and at the breakdown.

Watch the highlights:

Ireland went into the game having won all six previous Tests between the teams, Sky Sports reported. Tommy O'Brien scored the opening try at Aviva Stadium, but Fiji responded through Josua Tuisova and Peceli Yato to move in front. Robert Baloucoune then crossed twice before the interval, helping the hosts recover from their early difficulties.

The teams were separated by only two points at half-time, with Ireland leading 17-15. Ireland then scored 26 points without reply. Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, O'Brien and Nick Timoney supplied the second-half tries, completing a seven-try performance that preserved Ireland's hopes of reaching the competition's final despite their uneven start to the evening.

According to Sky Sports, Ireland finished the match on 20 points in the northern hemisphere standings, level with second-placed England and one behind leaders France. Their remaining fixture is against South Africa. France host Argentina and England face New Zealand, with those results also relevant to Ireland's prospects of reaching the final at Twickenham on November 29.

Fiji coach Jake White focused on opportunities his side had failed to convert while the match was still competitive. BBC Sport reported his frustration at the decision to take a tap penalty rather than request a scrum. He also pointed to chances near Ireland's line that did not produce points, arguing that those decisions had helped the home team.

Ireland also lost debutant James McNabney shortly after he entered from the bench. The 23-year-old Ulster back-rower made two strong carries before leaving with a head injury, which BBC Sport reported would rule him out of the South Africa match. Farrell praised his brief contribution and said he was in good spirits afterwards, despite the early end to his first appearance.