Andy Farrell has made a host of changes to the Ireland 23 as they look to build on last week’s win over Argentina.
A dominant first half against Los Pumas was followed by a second half in which Ireland failed to register a single point but, crucially, there were clear improvements from the 23-13 loss to the All Blacks the previous week.
With Fiji ranked ninth in the world, Ireland’s backroom team has marked it as an opportunity to test the depth of the squad while also keeping the momentum going.
Here is everything you need to know about the game, including kick-off time, TV details, and team news.
Ireland vs Fiji: What time does the match kick-off?
Ireland versus Fiji kicks off at 3:10pm on Saturday, November 23, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
How can I watch Ireland vs Fiji on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One, with coverage starting at 2:30pm. You can also stream it live on the Virgin Media Player.
In the UK you can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 and stream it on Discovery+.
What is the team news for Ireland and Fiji?
Ireland have made seven changes to the XV that started against Argentina.
Craig Casey, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale and Jamie Osborne come into the side, while Cormac Izuchukwu and Gus McCarthy make their debuts, with Sam Prendergast getting his first start.
Fiji have confirmed their team:
Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Josua Tuisova, Ponepati Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Luke Tagi; Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua; Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Setareki Turagacoke, Albert Tuisue, Peni Matawalu, Vilimoni Botitu, Sireli Maqala.
Ireland injury news.
Tom O’Toole returns to the match-day squad after missing last week’s game due to a concussion suffered against the All Blacks. He will be covering the less familiar role of loose head prop.
It was hoped that Tadhg Furlong would return to the squad, with the veteran tight head yet to feature in this year’s Autumn Nations Series due to a hamstring issue.
What is the form of Ireland and Fiji?
Ireland produced one of their worst performances under Andy Farrell against the All Blacks, in a game that was littered with soft penalties, handling errors, and inaccuracy.
It will take time to bed in the style of new attack coach Andrew Goodman and there were green shoots at times during the narrow 22-19 victory over Argentina.
But a scoreless second half for Ireland nearly turned a relatively positive outing into a disaster.
Fiji’s lack of consistency can make their form difficult the gauge, but despite a couple some up-and-down results this November, Ireland will expect to deal with their challenge quite comfortably.
A 57-17 hammering to Scotland was followed by a 24-19 win over a dire Welsh side and a 33-19 victory over minnows Spain last week.
It is a much-changed side for their clash with Ireland, and they will always remain one of the most dangerous teams in the world from broken play.
What is the history of this fixture?
Fiji have never beaten Ireland.
The sides played two unofficial games against the Fijians, in 1976 and 1985.
Since 1995, they have played five full Tests, all in Dublin, with Ireland scoring an average of more than 40 points.
Fiji did run Ireland close at the Aviva Stadium in 2017, when the hosts won 23-20.
The last game came in November 2022, with Ireland winning 35-17.
