Ireland player ratings v Fiji: ‘Barnstorming’ Bundee Aki showcases Lions credentials, while rookie recovers from ‘nightmare start’

Louis Chapman Coombe 23 Nov 2024 5:34 PM

Following their 52-17 victory over Fiji, here are our Ireland player ratings from an entertaining game at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland player ratings

15 Jamie Osborne: Decent shift, but unfortunately came off injured after just 25 minutes. 5

14 Mack Hansen: The ultimate poacher was at it again this week as he notched two more tries in the Green jersey. Today, he showed his true finisher mentality as he popped up exactly where his side needed him to be to score. 6

13 Robbie Henshaw: The ever-classy centre was yet again decent for Ireland, and complimented the work of Bundee Aki really well. He made some proper dents in the Fijian defence with some solid carries, and just looked to get involved where he could. 6

Ireland run in eight tries to hammer Fiji as Sam Prendergast and debutant impress

12 Bundee Aki: Had a big head-to-head with Josua Tuisova, but certainly got the better of the powerful Fijian. He added some serious punch through midfield with some barnstorming carries and was able to consistently drag his team beyond the gainline. Also got involved in the defensive effort too with some thumping hits. This was potentially the performance he needed to remind us of his Lions credentials. 9

11 Jacob Stockdale: A much-welcome sight to see him back in an Ireland jersey, and he just made himself very busy around the park. He was always looking to get his hands on the ball in attack, and popped up in different areas of the pitch to good effect. Hopefully, the injury he picked up isn’t too serious. 7

10 Sam Prendergast: Got off to a nightmare start with the yellow card, but grew into the game as it went on. He kicked well off the tee, and looked to try a lot of things with their attack, including a delicious assist for Hansen’s try. The most pleasing thing to come out of his performance was the manner of his steady improvement throughout. It would have easy for him to have a stinker after the yellow, and he looked like having one with his first few touches on his return, but he steadied himself and played the way we have come to expect of him. 7

9 Craig Casey: Has had to be patient for his shot, but you feel he took it today. He was a real consistent threat around the ruck, but also injected some serious fizz into the Ireland attack that they have been crying out for. Notched a classy try for his efforts too. 7

Back-row

8 Caelan Doris: Typically industrious shift from the captain, who continues to show why he is the front-runner to lead the Lions this summer. Simply ran his blood to water, and also got a cameo in midfield for good measure. 8

7 Josh van der Flier: Another fine showing from the number seven. His carrying has come on so much in recent seasons, and today was yet another reminder of his work ball-in-hand as he made some decent carries. Also grabbed a try in the process. 6

LIVE: Autumn Nations Series, Ireland v Fiji

6 Cormac Izuchukwu: Was cruelly robbed of a debut try, but it would have been thoroughly deserved if it had counted. He made plenty of work for himself around the park but crucially looked settled at this level, which is a compliment. 6

Tight five

5 Tadhg Beirne: Yet another blockbuster performance from Beirne. He got off to a great start as he stopped a certain Fiji try at a crucial period in the game, and just carried on from there. The lock was just able to add some seriously classy touches in attack, which really helped create momentum for his team. Also popped up with some decent defensive efforts too. 7

4 Joe McCarthy: Steady showing from the towering Ireland lock, who just never stopped working for his side on both sides of the ball. He continues to prove his quality at this level. 6

3 Finlay Bealham: Powerful in most areas of the pitch, and locked down the scrum. Should be pretty pleased with his afternoon’s work. 6

2 Gus McCarthy: A great debut for the hooker, who proves the quality of depth in this department on the Emerald Isle. He was solid around the park, and produced some delicious assists and also got a well-deserved try. Lineout was a tad shaky, but that will only improve as he gets experience at this level. 7

1 Andrew Porter: Can virtually copy and paste Bealham’s section here. Got involved around the park to good effect, and scrummaged well. 6

Replacements: The bench is becoming a big part of the modern game, and Ireland’s was superb today. Ciaran Frawley by himself would have got a 7 following a really classy performance, and the rest of the bench also had a great impact on the game. Up front, the likes of Tom O’Toole – playing his first senior game at loosehead – Ronan Kelleher, Tom Clarkson and Cian Prendergast added some serious beef to proceedings, and they crucially continued the work of those they replaced too. The backs were also dotted around the pitch, with Conor Murray coming onto the wing, but him, Frawley and Stuart McCloskey were all impressive. This will certainly please Andy Farrell, given the failures in this department in recent weeks. 7