Farrell admits scoreline 'flattered' Ireland in Fiji win

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell acknowledged that his team's 43-15 victory over Fiji was flattering, noting that the scoreline did not fully reflect the competitive nature of the match. Both Farrell and Fiji coach Jake White emphasized the importance of this game as preparation for Ireland's upcoming clash with South Africa.
Why it matters
The analysis provides insight into the strategic preparations of top-tier international rugby teams ahead of high-stakes matches.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admits his side were flattered by their 28-point winning margin against Fiji, but insists their 43-15 win was good preparation for what's to come with the physicality of South Africa next week.
A 26-0 second half saw Ireland pull away from Jake White's side after an error-strewn opening 40, where Ireland were 17-15 in front and left multiple tries behind them.
And while the head coach acknowledged those errors, he was pleased with how his side put the game to bed.
"I'm pleased to get the win, especially the scoreline," Farrell said.
"I thought it flattered us a little bit, but having said that, you've got to work for those points and find a way, especially when after 25 minutes you're down by five points against a side that's playing pretty well as far as the physical nature of the game."
Headlinne story · 6 newsrooms
Ireland Defeats Fiji to Prepare for South Africa Clash
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
France 21-19 South Africa: Les Bleus beat the world champions in Nations Championship
France hold nerve to edge past South Africa in thriller
Ireland v Fiji, Nations Championship live minute
France v South Africa: Springboks loss gives All Blacks opportunity to make Nations Championship final
Jasper sees red as France edge Boks
Nations Championship - France 21-19 South Africa: Les Bleus put injuries behind them to hold on and stun Springboks in Paris
France hold on to break drought against Boks in Paris
Baloucoune and O'Brien on the double as Ireland see off Fiji
Jasper Wiese red card: Why was the South Africa No 8 sent off against France?
Ireland v Fiji live updates: Follow the action in Nations Championship
Dupont hails France grit after 21-19 rugby stunner over South Africa
O'Brien and Baloucoune shine as Ireland beats Fiji 43-15 in Nations Championship
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in