Ireland 43-15 Fiji: O’Brien and Baloucoune Score Twice as Ireland Set Up South Africa Showdown

Updated 15 Nov 2026, 09:20 · First published 15 Nov 2026

Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday to stay in the race for a place in the Nations Championship final – and set up a huge showdown with world champions South Africa next weekend.

Fiji lead – then Ireland pull clear

Tommy O’Brien scored the opening try, but Fiji hit back with two quick tries from Josua Tuisova and Peceli Yato to briefly take the lead in the first half.

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Robert Baloucoune then scored twice before the break, and Ireland took control in the second half. Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and Nick Timoney all crossed, and O’Brien grabbed his second for Ireland’s fifth try.

The race for the final

The win leaves Ireland level on 20 points with England, one point behind leaders France. The final is at Twickenham on 29 November.

To get there, Ireland must beat South Africa next Saturday – and need both France and England to slip up.

Sources: Sky Sports, IRFU.