Ireland host Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday evening in Round 5 of the Nations Championship, with Andy Farrell's side looking to build on their impressive victory over Argentina and keep the pressure on France and England at the top of the Northern Hemisphere standings.
Ireland were convincing 42–12 winners over Argentina last Friday, while Fiji suffered a heavy 54–17 defeat against France in Lyon. The Irish are understandably strong favourites, although the bookmakers are asking them to give Fiji a substantial start on the handicap.
With South Africa visiting Dublin in the final round, Ireland will be keen to secure a bonus-point victory and improve their points difference before that crucial encounter.
Match: Ireland v Fiji
Competition: Nations Championship, Round 5
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Kick-off: 22:10 South African time
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (England), Damon Murphy (Australia)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Weather Forecast: The early outlook suggests a cold evening in Dublin, with temperatures potentially falling towards 3–8°C. Conditions are expected to be largely dry, although the wind and possibility of rain will need to be monitored closer to kick-off.
Hourly weather forecast – Dublin
Ireland
Ireland currently occupy third place in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 15 points from four matches, level with England and just two points behind leaders France.
Their only Nations Championship defeat came against New Zealand in July, when they went down 40–21. They responded with victories over Japan and Australia before returning to action last Friday against Argentina.
The Pumas had attracted considerable betting support during the week, with their handicap shortening from +12.5 to +9.5, but Ireland were far too strong.
Argentina made a promising start before the Irish took complete control, running out convincing 42–12 winners.
It was a particularly encouraging performance from Andy Farrell's side, who had entered the November internationals with several important players unavailable through injury.
Regular captain Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and Jack Crowley were among those missing from the squad, but Ireland demonstrated the depth available to them.
They have scored 132 points in their four Nations Championship matches, although their points difference of +29 is considerably lower than France's +78 and England's +71.
That could become important in the battle for top spot in the Northern Hemisphere standings, particularly with the leading teams separated by just two competition points.
Ireland will be looking for a convincing victory against Fiji before their much-anticipated meeting with South Africa in Dublin on 21 November.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
Round 1: Australia (a) WON 33–31
Round 2: Japan (a) WON 36–20
Round 3: New Zealand (a) LOST 21–40
Round 4: Argentina (h) WON 42–12
Round 5: Fiji (h) – 14 November
Round 6: South Africa (h) – 21 November
Fiji
Fiji have endured a difficult Nations Championship campaign and currently sit bottom of the Southern Hemisphere standings without a competition point.
They opened the tournament with a 39–24 defeat to Wales before suffering a heavy 73–8 loss against England.
Their third-round match against Scotland was considerably more competitive, but they eventually went down 33-17.
Fiji returned to action last weekend against France in Lyon, where they were receiving a 24.5-point start from the bookmakers.
However, the French proved far too strong, running out 54–17 winners and leaving Fiji with a fourth successive defeat.
The Flying Fijians have now conceded 199points in four Nations Championship matches, an average of almost 50 points per game.
That is a worrying statistic ahead of a trip to Dublin to face an Irish side that will be looking to secure a bonus-point victory and improve their points difference.
Jake White will be hoping for a much-improved performance, although the Irish are unlikely to give Fiji many opportunities to play their preferred expansive game.
The visitors also have a poor record against Ireland, having lost all six previous full Test meetings between the countries.
Fiji finish their Nations Championship campaign with a trip to Italy the following weekend, which may represent their best opportunity to avoid finishing the competition without a victory.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
Round 1: Wales (h) LOST 24–39
Round 2: England (h) LOST 8–73
Round 3: Scotland (h) LOST 17-33
Round 4: France (a) LOST 17–54
Round 5: Ireland (a) – 14 November
Round 6: Italy (a) – 21 November
Recent Head to Head
November 2024 – Dublin – IRELAND 52–17 Fiji
November 2022 – Dublin – IRELAND 35–17 Fiji
November 2017 – Dublin – IRELAND 23–20 Fiji
November 2012 – Dublin – IRELAND 53-0
November 2009 – Dublin – IRELAND 41–6 Fiji
November 2002 – Dublin – IRELAND 64–17 Fiji
Ireland have won all six full Test meetings between the countries.
The Irish have scored at least 35 points in four of the last five meetings, and their recent record suggests they should have opportunities to put a substantial score on the board this weekend.
Team News
Ireland: 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Tommy O’Brien, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter.
Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Sam Illo, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 James McNabney, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Stuart McCloskey.
Fiji: 15 Ponipate Logan imasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Setareki Bituniyata (debut), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Peceli Yato (captain), 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Mesake Vocevoce, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Joseva Tamani, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Peni Ravai.
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togi Atama, 17 Vilikesa Nairau, 18 Inoke Ravuwasa, 19 Kitione Salawa, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Terio Tamani, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Iosefo Masi.
The Betting
Betting as at 12 November 2026
Ireland -26.5 points
Fiji +26.5 points
Total Points 63.5
Betting Angle
Bet: Ireland v Fiji
Posted 12 November 23h05
Bet: 2.5 units (1–5), Ireland -12.5 first-half handicap at 10/11 at World Sports Betting
Ireland have resisted the temptation to rotate their team and are clearly looking to put a big score on Fiji.
I fancy the Irish to come out of the blocks quickly, and I agree with Victor, a first-time guest on last night's edition of The Handicap, that Ireland on the first-half handicap is the way to go.
The total match points line is set at 64.5, but if I were going to have a bet in that market, I would rather look at Ireland's team points over 45.5.
Follow our Nations Championship Round 5 betting blog for betting-related news and tips throughout the week.
See what other punters fancy and have your say in the Nations Championship Round 5 discussion thread.
Disclaimer: Betting odds and handicaps are correct at the time of writing but may change. Punters should check the latest prices, team news, weather conditions and relevant form before placing their bets.
