Ireland's second half blitz crushes Fiji and keep Nations Championship hopes alive

The first half was a closely fought affair, but Ireland ran in 26 unanswered points in the second stanza to flatter the scoreboard.

The hosts opened the scoring in the eighth minute when flyers Mack Hansen and Robert Baloucoune combined with Jamie Osborne to send the wing over in the corner.

Fiji responded through giant centre Josua Tuisova, who powered over after a strong carry from Peceli Yato. The visitors then took the lead when Juta Wainiqolo broke through the Irish defence and set up Yato for their second try.

Ireland hit back through Baloucoune, who crossed after a superb attacking kick from flyhalf Sam Prendergast caused havoc in the Fijian defence. The winger grabbed his second shortly before halftime, although captain Tadhg Beirne's yellow card allowed Fiji to close the gap to just two points as they went down the tunnel 17-15.

Ireland took control shortly after the restart, with hooker Ronan Kelleher crossing for their fourth try to secure the bonus point. And the wheels came off for Jake White's Fiji.

Ireland debutant James McNabney then made an immediate impact off the bench, powering through the Fijian defence in a superb carry before being stopped just short of the line. Prop Inoke Ravuiwasa was yellow-carded for the infringement, although McNabney was unable to continue following the collision.

The hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Osborne scoring his second try before Andrew Porter and Nick Timoney added further touchdowns to complete a convincing victory.

The result leaves Ireland one point behind northern hemisphere leaders France and trailing England on points difference ahead of next week's blockbuster meeting with world champions South Africa in Dublin.

READ MORE: 'Hope I can stay' - Martin Odegaard opens up on Arsenal contract talks