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Ireland see off Fiji to stay in Nations League final hunt
Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 in Dublin to keep their hopes of reaching the Nations Championship final alive. The result matters because Ireland remain in contention, but their place in the final depends on both their own next match and results involving France and England.
Ireland led 17-15 at half-time before pulling away after the break, reaching 20 points in the Northern Hemisphere standings, level with England and one behind France. Tommy O’Brien and Robert Baloucoune scored two tries each; Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and Nick Timoney added one apiece. Ireland must beat South Africa and hope France and England falter to reach the final at Twickenham on 29 November.
In short
- Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 to stay in contention.
- They are level with England on 20 points.
- Ireland need a win and favourable results elsewhere.
Explained simply
The Nations Championship is an international rugby union competition involving teams from the northern and southern hemispheres. In its northern standings, teams earn points across their matches, and the leading sides can qualify for the final.
Ireland, France and England are among the teams competing for a place in that final. Ireland’s campaign now includes a match against South Africa, while France and England’s results also affect the qualification picture.
The final is scheduled to be played at Twickenham on 29 November. The qualification race means Ireland’s route depends on both its own performance and how the other contenders fare.