Ireland vs Fiji Prediction: Flying Fijians can cover the handicap

Ireland have struggled to hit top gear in this Autumn Nations Series and Fiji might well pose them more problems when they go head-to-head at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (15:10 kick-off, TNT Sports1). After an impressive win over world champions South Africa back in July, Ireland have somewhat underwhelmed this month, with a 23-13 defeat to New Zealand followed by a 22-19 unconvincing win over Argentina last time out.

Fiji were well beaten 57-17 by Scotland in their opening game of November but have since responded with wins over Wales and Spain. While Andy Farrell’s Ireland should ultimately have the power game to come out on top on Saturday, Fiji can make this a tighter contest than some might think.

Ireland vs Fiji Odds

Ireland are the understandable favourites at 1/25 to claim the win on Saturday, while Fiji are 10/1 to pull off a famous victory at the Aviva Stadium.

A draw on the day is 28/1, while Fiji to be leading at the half-time whistle is currently available at 4/1.

Rugby Union Odds

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Farrell has decided to shake things up with uncapped Ulster back-row Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy set to make their debuts in two of seven changes from the side that faced the Pumas.

Leinster’s Sam Prendergast has been handed a first start at fly-half and will play outside Munster scrum-half Craig Casey.

Jamie Osborne replaces Hugo Keenan at full-back, while experienced centre Bundee Aki and winger Jacob Stockdale also return to the backline.

After a runout against Spain last time out, Fiji are likely to revert back to a similar starting XV to the one that beat Wales in Cardiff earlier this month.

Fiji +19 handicap @ 11/10

The last time these sides met was back in November 2022 with Ireland winning by 18 points in a 35-17 victory.

Fiji scored the opening try in that game after just four minutes and they will be eager to come out of the blocks quickly once again in Dublin.

With Prendergast making his first start for Ireland, Fiji will also be determined to put the Leinster stand-off under pressure and try to disrupt supply to this dangerous Irish backline.

Ireland have struggled to put an 80-minute performance together this month and this dangerous Fiji side are worth considering with a +19 handicap here.

Total points between 51 and 60 points inclusive @ 11/4

Matches between these sides tend to be high-scoring affairs and going with between 51 and 60 points inclusive to be scored on Saturday catches the eye.

This bet would have landed in two of the last three meetings between these sides, with Ireland winning 53-0 in 2012 and 35-17 in 2022, and the trend might well continue this weekend.