Fijians all but end Ireland’s World Cup dream after bruising encounter

Ireland 14 Fiji 32

Ireland were in touch at half-time when they trailed 12-4 but they conceded four second-half tries and will now need to beat England on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Winger Akuila Uate produced a strong finish to open the scoring on nine minutes and Ireland had barely recovered when full-back Kevin Naiqama beat two flat-footed defenders to cross for a second. Centre Wes Naiqama converted his brother’s try.

Indiscipline then crept into the Fijians’ play and Ireland took advantage with a try from Tyrone McCarthy on 23 minutes.

Ireland were unable to take advantage of the sin-binning of replacement Eloni Vunakece six minutes before the interval and Naiqama stretched Fiji’s lead to 12-4 on the stroke of half-time with a penalty. And there was no way back for Ireland when second rower Tariq Sims went over for a third try.

Uate then completed his hat-trick and loose forward Korbin Sims also touched down and Naiqama took his goal tally to four from seven attempts.

Ireland produced a late flurry that saw winger Damien Blanch and then Hassan go over for a richly-deserved try which Pat Richards converted.

FIJI: K. Naiqama, Koroibete, Waqa, W. Naiqama, Uate, Noilea, Groom, A. Sims, Storer, Civoniceva, T. Sims, Bukuya, K. Sims.

Replacements: Koroisau, Vunakece, Evans, Junior.

IRELAND: S. Grix, Blanch, Littler, Pewhairangi, Richards, Mendeika, Finn, White, Kostjasyn, O’Carroll, McCarthy, Allen, Currie.

Replacements: Beswick, Hasson, Haggerty, Mullally.

Referee: Phil Bentham (England).