Ireland vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from autumn international as Ireland cruise to win
Ireland 35-17 Fiji: Nick Timoney scored twice as Ireland ran in five tries against their 14-man opponents
Ireland convincingly beat 14-man Fiji in Dublin as they ran in five tries during a 35-17 win.
Nick Timoney went over twice, while Robert Baloucoune, Mack Hansen and Cian Healy also dotted down for the hosts. Fiji showed flashes of their ability with two superb scores from Kalaveti Ravouvou and Simione Kuruvoli but Albert Tuisue’s red card for a high hit on Joey Carbery ended any realistic chance of victory.
Last week, Ireland showcased why they are the number one side in the world with a hard-fought win over world champions South Africa. Fiji didn’t pose the same test but the hosts were clinical enough when they needed to be.
Andy Farrell made wholesale changes to his team with a further Test against Australia to come next weekend and some of the new faces laid down a marker as the like of Timoney, Kieran Treadwell and Stuart McCloskey all shone to give their coach something to think about.
Relive the action as Ireland beat Fiji in Dublin:
PENALTY! ENGLAND 3-0 Japan (Owen Farrell penalty, 5 minutes)
England are on the board first. The most straightforward start that Owen Farrell could wish for from the tee.
England 0-0 Japan, 4 minutes
Japan think they are away but an offside ends their cavort up the field! Marcus Smith rather telegraphed his cross-kick for Freddie Steward, with Japan hurrying up to charge it down and then rushing through on to the loose ball.
But the visitors were up too soon in their attempts to prevent Smith unfurling that crossfield number - England penalty, and this time the call is for the points.
England 0-0 Japan, 3 minutes
Penalty advantage for England. Marcus Smith lifts a long pass over the top of the defensive line to give Jonny May his first meaningful involvement on his return to an England shirt, before Dave Ribbans has his first at all - the debutant carries well.
Back for the penalty, though - and England fancy a go in the right corner, which is found superbly. Luke Cowan-Dickie will throw the lineout five metres out.
England 0-0 Japan, 2 minutes
A first hint of what Japan can do with Dylan Riley nearly breaking English shackles near the touchline. His offload chops the daisies and is fly-hacked out on the full.
England 0-0 Japan, 1 minute
Japan play twice out the back in their opening passage inside the 22, kicking long to Freddie Steward, who returns in kind.
Joe Cokanasiga collects the next thump upfield from Japan, delivering a punishing carry as he angles in field.
Fine high take from Japan’s fly half Takuya Yamasawa under significant English pressure 30 metres from his own line.
KICK OFF!
To a loud roar of anticipation from the Twickenham crowd, Owen Farrell kicks off!
Here we go
James Doleman, our referee this afternoon, has a final comms check with his assistants. Japan are clad in blue today, with metallic flourishes on the sides.
England’s men in white for the first time this autumn. Owen Farrell will get things underway.
Anthems
There’s a few Japanese fans dotted around Twickenham, standing proudly for a fine singing of “Kimigayo”, warmly received by the rest of the crowd.
A bit more pep in the home supporters’ accompaniement of “God Save the King” this week.
England vs Japan
It’s a balmy November afternoon at Twickenham, which rises for an impeccable observation of a rendition of the Last Post.
Team News - Japan
Japan have had to wait to make their official Autumn Nations Series 2022 bow, but pushed the All Blacks mightily close in Tokyo two weeks ago. Unsurprisingly, Jamie Joseph sticks with much of the side that started that game, with only giant wing Siosaia Fifita dropping out. Gerhard van den Heever takes his place in the back three, with Joseph confident that the wing can help counter England’s aerial threat.
Totem Michael Leitch and Kazuki Himeno, one of the most complete back rowers in the world, headline the pack, but look out for Warner Dearns, the young lock whose sheer size makes him hard to miss.
Japan XV: K Inagaki, A Sakate (capt.), JW Koo; W Dearns, J Cornelsen; M Leitch, K Himeno, T Tatafu; Y Nagare, T Yamasawa; G van den Heever, R Nakamura, D Riley, K Matsushima; R Yamanaka.
Replacements: K Horikoshi, C Millar, Y Kizu, W van der Walt, L Labuschagne; N Saito, S Lee, S Fifita.
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