Andy Farrell has claimed the best is yet to come from Ireland after they beat Fiji 52-17 at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Scores from Mack Hansen, twice from captain Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, Bundee Aki, debutant Gus McCarthy, and Ronan Kelleher, along with several successful conversion attempts from debutant Sam Prendergast, ensured it was an easy day for Ireland.
Yesterday's game saw a number of different narratives play out, with Prendergast starting from the off for the first time and the likes of Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu making their first starts.
Prendergast's first start could have ended sooner than it started when his head-high tackle on Fijian flanker Kitione Salawa resulted in a yellow card. The card was reviewed for a possible upgrade, but it remained yellow, allowing him back on the field.
Mick Byrne, the head coach of Fiji, said, "He's wearing a green jersey, so it stays yellow."
A big home W! 👊#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/IBtdTVvvr6
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 23, 2024
Farrell responded to the remark, feeling that the yellow card was harsh but complimenting Prendergast on his performance.
"I get why it is [a yellow card], but for me, he turned his back, and it's harsh enough, like, you know? I don't know; I'll have to have a look at it again, but that's the game, isn't it?" added Farrel to RTE Sport
"I thought [Prendergast] did great. I thought he was really composed. He had a few mistakes within his game, but he was pulling the strings for a good while, and he was really, really composed."
Next up for Ireland is Australia in the Autumn Nations Series next Saturday, and Farrell believes the best of his Irish side is still to arrive.
"As you would expect me to say, the best is yet to come. It has to be."
"We're playing against a buoyant Australian side that plays some really nice rugby, but the week's going to be a special one for us. It's going to be a marked game for the 150th anniversary. We talk a lot about the shirt and what it means for us. It's going to be a big week coming up," Farrell said.
Ireland Starting XV: 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Gus McCarthy, 3. Finlay Bealham; 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Tadhg Beirne; 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain); 9. Craig Casey, 10. Sam Prendergast; 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Bundee Aki, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 14. Mack Hansen; 15. Jamie Osborne.
Replacements: 16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Tom Clarkson, 19. Iain Henderson, 20. Cian Prendergast; 21. Conor Murray, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Stuart McCloskey.
Date: Saturday, 30th November 2024
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 3:10 pm
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TV Coverage: Live on TNT Sports (UK) and Virgin Media (ROI)
