13 men had one chance to impress and not everyone took it.
“I’m never angry when you see evidence of the effort, but certainly I feel frustration.” – Joe Schmidt
11 turnovers. Schmidt had driven the point home with his own players at half time. They led Fiji 17-10, at that stage, having conceded a Henry Seniloli try just before the break.
If he had been irate with his players after 40 minutes, one can only imagine what he told them at full-time. Ireland were very close to losing this one but the bench did its job and Ian Keatley kicked two late penalties to secure a 23-20 victory.
Whereas the mood after South Africa were soundly beaten had been practically giddy, the mixed zone at the Aviva Stadium was slightly more sedate; reflective.
This Fiji team has accounted for Italy and Scotland in the last 12 months and a victory over Ireland could have seen then reach a world ranking high of 8th. They looked good for long spells and tested Ireland hard at the breakdown and at the scrum.
Still, Ireland were lulled into some recklessness and lost discipline at key stages. They were also gobbled up in a number of counter-rucking scenarios that Schmidt will heavily review on Monday morning.
That being said, there are several players that featured against the Fijians that will be hoping for some involvement against Argentina next weekend. Devin Toner and Andrew Conway are the only men to have started both games. Toner was better against the Boks but Conway has now shot his hand(s) up for jerseys No.14 and 15.
Here are the other men in the starting XV mix:
Jack McGrath
Not exactly barging down the door to start at loose-head but he will be happier for the hit-out and Schmidt had kind words [at least in public] to say about the front row. The Irish scrum was up against it on several occasions but should have been rewarded with a couple of decisions as the game wore on.
Was busy enough in his 52-minute outing but, it must be noted, so was Cian Healy when he came on. Great to see some genuine competition back in that area.
Ultan Dillane
Let himself go in Saturday’s encounter and had some fun while he was at it. Recovered well from rasping his shoulder in the opening minutes to bull and heave around the part. His physicality was needed as Fiji came to lay down some hurt. Secured a crucial lineout steal in the second half. Himself and James Ryan will be eyeing Toner’s No.5 jersey.
Jack Conan
“You’re not thinking that you’re borrowing this jersey from someone for 80 minutes. You’ve got to think, ‘This is my jersey now’.”
So said Conan after another decent performance in a green jersey. Made a number of big carries, didn’t miss a tackle and scored a lovely try. Played the full 80 and would dearly love to get a chance against Los Pumas.
Darren Sweetnam
All rests on where Schmidt sees Conway starting against Argentina. If it is fullback, Sweetnam has a chance of playing on the wing again. If Conway gets that nod, the Cork native may be duking it out for a spot on the bench.
Stayed wide and followed Joey Carbery’s break to bag himself a handy score while he looked game on the kick-chase and in defence. Can be pleased with his first two appearances for Ireland.
With Joey Carbery now out injured, Ian Keatley is set to fill one of three backline slots on the replacements bench. Kieran Marmion is likely to be deputy for Conor Murray so that leaves one place for five players to fight over.
Training should be spicy this week.
