Three tries: Craig Gilroy
Ulster wing Craig Gilroy scored three tries as an Ireland XV romped to a 53-0 win over Fiji in Limerick on Saturday.
Gilroy was the star of the show while Fergus McFadden grabbed two tries and Sean Cronin, Darren Cave and Luke Marshall added the gloss.
Fiji were looking to bounce back from losing to England but could not cope with their hosts, who nilled the islanders in a strong performance.
But it will be Gilroy's showing that may cause Ireland coach Declan Kidney to have a rethink about his selection for next week's clash with Argentina as the Ulster finisher was superb.
Fiji will face Georgia next week in Tbilisi.
The scorers:
For Ireland XV:
Tries: Gilroy 3, McFadden 2, Cronin, Cave, L Marshall
Con: Jackson 5
Pen: Jackson
Ireland XV: 15 Denis Hurley, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Luke Marshall, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip (capt), 7 John Muldoon, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 David Kilcoyne.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Donnacha Ryan, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Jonathan Sexton, 23 Simon Zebo.
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Simeli Koniferedi, 13 Vereniki Govena, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Watisoni Votu, 10 Jonetani Ralulu, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Nemani Nagusa, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Iliesa Ratuva, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Jerry Yanuyanutawa.
Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Manasa Saulo, 18 Setefano Somoca, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Jovili Domolailai, 21 Kelemedi Bola, 22 Saula Radidi, 23 Timoci Matanavou.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Assistant referees: Neil Hennessy (Wales), Sean Brickell (Wales)
Television match official: Gareth Simmonds (Wales)
Comments
melkdave says...
Verybad Fiji performance ,absolutly nothing worked imo.As for Ireland perhaps now DK will blood some of them espically Gilroy .
Posted 20:41 17th November 2012
curates_egg says...
That was an utterly abject Fiji performance. Ireland learnt nothing from it. However, Gilroy, Marshall, Henderson, McFadden and Jackson all took their opportunities.
Posted 20:15 17th November 2012
GCP_JONES says...
Firstly Fiji should refuse to play in these matches unless they get access to their best players, the the IRB need to sort it out NOW. they didn't even have the right quota of boots before they ran out against England its an outrage
I hope no Irish posters take any joy from this "victory" remember Hamilton in June. We would have been better off playing Munster or a 23 from the domestic league here in Ireland.
How many of these players will run out in Lansdowne road next Saturday maybe 3? Gilroy will be playing for Ulster next weekend. As I said last week test rugby is becoming so boring.
Posted 19:53 17th November 2012
olearyc5 says...
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, this was a shocking Fiji performanace. They are much better than that.
With that said, Gilroy and Luke Marshall in particular played fantastic. They showed that at least they deserve further opportunities in the near future. Hopefully next week.
Posted 19:45 17th November 2012
Warrior7 says...
It was Ravai Fatiaki at 12, not Josh Matavesi.
Posted 19:39 17th November 2012