Ireland's second string should prove too strong

Autumn international
Sky Sports Action & Main Event & RTE2, 5.30pm Saturday

Ireland pulled off the most eye-catching result of the first week of the autumn internationals as they bulldozed South Africa 38-3, and coach Joe Schmidt has overhauled his side for the visit of exciting Pacific islanders Fiji.

The Boks were totally dominated physically and outplayed in the breakdown and if Ireland can do the same to a far less intimidating Fiji outfit a 24-point handicap should not be insurmountable.

But it's a whole new team for the hosts, with only Andrew Conway running out for a second consecutive match, and the Munster man switches from the wing to full-back.

Fiji are renowned for the running rugby but they were ground down in a 19-10 defeat in Italy last weekend and Ireland will surely try to put them under the cosh.

The two most dangerous Fijians are winger Nemani Nadolo and lock Leone Nakarawa, and both have been profitable for tryscorer backers in the past.

They will be key threats as Fiji aim for a lively start, but the best bet may be that the hosts pull away by the end.

Recommendation
Ireland -12 on second-half handicap
1pt Evs Coral, Ladbrokes

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter@racingpostsport

Like us on FacebookRacingPostSport