Ireland impress against Fiji

23/11/2009

Ireland ran out emphatic 41-6 winners against Fiji at the weekend in the RDS Dublin, however despite the impressive scoreline, perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the result was the consistency and pace with which Ireland played the game.

The conditions were wet and windy, not favourable for playing expansive rugby, however Ireland didn’t let that stop them, moving the ball wide and offloading from the tackle while Fiji struggled to contend a backline, expertly orchaestrated by debutant outhalf, Jonathan Sexton. The Leinsterman put in a man-of-the-match performance at outhalf, kicking 16 points and maintaining a 100% accuracy record with the boot in what were very difficult conditions.

Munster’s Keith Earls was also in excellent form securing two trys, the first of which came from an impressive break on the angle which saw him pickup a pin-point accurate Eoin Reddan pass and scythe through the Fijian defence. Further scores were added by skipper Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Shane Horgan.

Ireland flanker Denis Leamy was stretchered off with an ankle injury, handing a test debut for Leinster’s Sean O’Brien who immediately got stuck into the action. Thankfully from an Irish perspective, Leamy’s injury does not appear to be as bad as first thought, with subsequent scans showing no fracture and only minor tendon damage which if managed carefully could see the Munsterman available for selection against South Africa.

Ireland played with creativity and ambition, probing and taking their chances when presented. Debutants Sexton, O’Brien and Connacht’s Sean Cronin who replaced Jerry Flannery at hooker, all can be proud of their contribution to the game. The experience will certainly stand them good as Ireland continue to develop strength and depth to their squad.