Beirne leads Ireland bid to build on strong start
Tadhg Beirne, so often Ireland's 'Mr Dependable', leads the team's bid to improve on last week's win over Argentina against Fiji on Saturday.
Key points
- Against an underwhelming Pumas outfit, Ireland raced into a 21-5 half-time lead, and while they doubled their tally in the second half, in his post-match remarks Beirne admitted they "could have got a lot more out of" their autumn opener.
- Now, with another week's training under the belt, Beirne says Ireland are determined to lay down another marker before next week's mouth-watering tussle with world champions South Africa.
- Since missing the final three games of the Six Nations Grand Slam campaign in 2023 with an ankle injury, Beirne has missed just three Ireland Tests.
Beirne will captain Ireland for the second time on his 75th cap in Saturday's Nations Championship game against Fiji [Getty Images] As Tadhg Beirne prepares to captain Ireland at home for the first time, it is worth recapping the impressive manner in which he has built up his CV in recent years.
Additional details
- McNabney rise 'phenomenal' - Farrell Ulster's Timoney 'grateful' for Ireland chances Nations Championship: Fixtures and standings For now, though, the versatile forward is looking no further than the visit of Fiji to Dublin on Saturday as he bids to make it two wins from two as stand-in skipper.
- I'm really looking forward to it, it's a massive week for me and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far." As he often does in green, Beirne played all 80 minutes of Ireland's commanding 42-12 win over Argentina in Dublin last week.
- Ireland, who sit third in the Nations Championship northern hemisphere table, have never lost to Fiji in a Test match and won 52-17 when the sides last met in Dublin in 2024.
- "It's particularly special doing it at the Aviva, at home," said Beirne, who is deputising for the injured Caelan Doris and Dan Sheehan.
- Nick Timoney and Mack Hansen switch to number eight and full-back respectively, with Beirne partnering Ryan in the second row.
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