Ireland were made to work hard for their 23‑20 victory over a quality Fiji Airways Flying Fijians outfit, but got the job done at the Aviva Stadium this morning.
Fiji’s tries came from Henry Senioli and Timoci Nagusa, with Ben Volavola kicking the remaining 10 points in an impressive display from them.
Fiji pulled back into the game through a try just before the break from Senioli, set up by Nemani Nadolo, and one four minutes into the second‑half from Timoci Nagusa, suddenly pulled them level at 17‑17, Nagusa’s score came as he intercepted Dave Kearney’s loose pass on halfway.
Suddenly it was anyone’s game in Dublin as the Flying Fijians though were growing in confidence.
Scotland’s Ian Keatley and Ben Volavola traded penalties in the 66th and 69th minute respectively.
But a tip tackle on Cian Healy from Kini Murimurivalu gifted Keatley his second three‑pointer on 73 minutes which proved the match‑winner.
Meanwhile, New Zealand claimed a 22‑17 victory over a spirited Scotland side at Murrayfield this morning.
The All Blacks did not always have things their way, especially during the opening half which was dominated by Scotland, and the teams went into half time with the score level at 3‑3.
The world champions eventually outscored their hosts three tries to two and the result means Scotland are still winless against New Zealand after 112 years of Test rugby between the two countries.
In other test matches, England defeated Australia 30-6, while South Africa defeated France 18-17.
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