Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 at a subdued Aviva Stadium in Dublin in the Nations Championship, a result that was far less comfortable than the scoreline suggests. The hosts had won all six previous Test matches between the sides but struggled for fluency and briefly trailed during an uneven opening period.

Wing Tommy O'Brien crossed on the left in the eighth minute to give Ireland an early lead, but the hosts' promise faded quickly. Jamison Gibson-Park had a try ruled out on review for a knock-on, and Fiji centre Josua Tuisova powered over from a line-out maul before Peceli Yato, Fiji's captain, put the visitors ahead after Jiuta Wainiqolo broke through a weak Irish defence. Robert Baloucoune then scored twice on the right to restore order, and Ireland went into the break 17-15 ahead after fly-half Ben Volavola slotted a penalty while home captain Tadhg Beirne was in the sin-bin.S2

Ronan Kelleher dived over early in the second half, and O'Brien had to be alert to deny Volavola a breakaway try after charging down an attempted clearance from Sam Prendergast. The contest gradually tilted towards Ireland. James McNabney's Ireland debut from the bench lasted only minutes after he was flattened by a swinging arm, which earned Fiji replacement prop Inoke Ravuiwasa a yellow card. Andrew Porter then bulldozed over, O'Brien scored his 10th try in as many Tests, and Nick Timoney completed the scoring late on.S1S2

Head coach Andy Farrell made seven personnel changes and two positional switches after last week's 42-12 win over Argentina, though he insisted the selection was not experimental. The result leaves Ireland level on 20 points with second-placed England in the northern hemisphere standings, a point behind leaders France.S2

Ireland now face world champions South Africa next week, and Farrell's side have work to do if they are to upset the Springboks in seven days' time.S2