Ireland vs Fiji Preview & Prediction | 2026 Nations Championship | Round 5
by Trystan Pugh ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Two points off the top of the Northern Hemisphere table, Ireland welcome bottom side Fiji to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – RugbyPass TV
Ireland team news: Seven changes, Beirne captains
Squad: Mack Hansen; Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, Tommy O'Brien; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Nick Timoney
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Tom O'Toole, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, James McNabney, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Stuart McCloskey
Fiji team news: Tuisova returns, Yato captains
Squad: Ponipate Loganimasi; Selestino Ravutaumada, Setareki Bituniyata, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo; Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani; Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Luke Tagi; Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila; Mesake Vocevoce, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Peceli Yato (capt)
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Terio Tamani, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi
Who will win?
Open poll and resultsIreland vs Fiji prediction
Ireland put in a decent performance in their 42-12 victory against Argentina in Dublin last weekend, a game that brought six tries and a hat-trick for Hugo Keenan. Andy Farrell still wanted more ruthlessness though, and he has made seven changes for this one, with Tadhg Beirne captaining the side and Mack Hansen moving to full-back.
Fiji have lost all four of their matches and are bottom of the Southern Hemisphere table with no points, having conceded 199 points along the way. They were beaten 54-17 by France last weekend, and head coach Jake White has warned that Ireland will keep hold of the ball for even longer than the French did.
Ireland have been dominant in this fixture, winning 52-17 at the Aviva Stadium in 2024, and Fiji have now conceded 50 or more points twice in four matches. They did lead Scotland at half-time in July, but the hosts are far too strong in this one and we are backing Ireland to score over 45.5 points on their own.
Ireland vs Fiji tip: Ireland to score over 45.5 points
