Ireland shake off sluggish start to brush aside Fiji

Nations Championship Ireland (17) 43Tries: O'Brien 2, Baloucoune 2, Kelleher, Porter, Timoney Cons: Prendergast 3, Frawley Fiji (15) 15Tries: Tuisova, Yato Con: Volavola Pen: Volavola Ireland recovered from a sluggish first-half performance to wear down spirited Fiji and keep alive their hopes of topping the Nations Championship northern hemisphere table with a bonus-point win in Dublin. After thumping Argentina last week, Ireland failed to click in an unconvincing opening, with Tommy O'Brien's early try and a Robert Baloucoune double enough for a 17-15 lead. Fiji arrived in Dublin without a win in nine previous meetings against their hosts, and having been thrashed 54-17 by France last week. But they dreamed of a historic win after tries from Josua Tuisova and Peceli Yato, and a Ben Volavola penalty, kept them firmly in the contest at the break. However, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and O'Brien crossed as Andy Farrell's men scored 26 unanswered second-half points to deny the Pacific Islanders, who remain without a point in the competition. The result left Ireland one point off northern hemisphere leaders France before next week's mouthwatering tussle with world champions South Africa in Dublin. More to follow.Ireland: Mack Hansen; Rob Baloucoune, Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, Tommy O'Brien; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne (capt), Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Nick Timoney.Replacements: Tom Stewart, Tom O'Toole, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, James McNabney, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.Fiji: Ponipate Loganimasi; Selestino Ravutaumada, Setareki Bituniyata, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo; Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani; Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Luke Tagi, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Peceli Yato (capt).Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Terio Tamani, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi.