Match preview: Higher stakes mean no excuses for Ireland but Fiji bring danger

Setareki Bituniyata of the Fiji squad at De La Salle Palmerston FC, Dublin. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

The race to the Nations Championship finals weekend hots up in Dublin on Saturday night as Ireland chase maximum points from what would once have been considered a routine November outing against Tier Two opposition.

Visits from Fiji have never been treated with anything other than total respect but the competitive edge that now accompanies these autumn internationals brings a welcome extra intensity to the fixture.