Test series set to thrill

FOLLOWING a momentous win against the world champion, Ireland returns to action against Fiji.

The two sides have met four times, Ireland taking home the win on each occasion.

The last time they played, also at the Aviva Stadium in 2017, Ireland secured a narrow 23-20 win.

Ireland is clearly coming into this clash on the back of good form following last week’s win over the Springboks 19-16.

Andy Farrell is expected to rotate his squad with the likes of Jack Crowley, Craig Casey and Robbie Henshaw likely to be involved. As for the Flying Fijians, they gave Scotland a scare at Murrayfield, holding a first half lead before ultimately succumbing to the 28-12 defeat. They will need a brave performance to win. 22-17. In 2014, the ABs beat Scotland 24-16, and in 2010, they won 49-3.

Last Sunday against the Dragons, the discipline of the side was pleasing, and they were good around the contact area.

Scotland’s win over Fiji in the physical game buried the disappointment of having lost to Australia 1615 earlier. The ABs expect a torrid encounter against the Bravehearts.

France v South Africa

France and South Africa have been playing each other since 1913.

Their first meeting was in 1913, and was won 38-5 by the Springboks.

The last Test between the sides in 2018 at the Stade de France ended in favour of the Springboks 29-26.

In 2017 at the same venue, the green machine edged the Les Bleus 18-17, and in the three-Test series in South Africa, the hosts defeated the Les Bleus 37-14, 37-15 and 35-12. Since then, France has made strides so South Africa faces a tough test in Marseille.

France took on the Wallabies in their first action since July, and pulled off a record 11th consecutive win although it was nail biting stuff as Damian Penaud scored a try at the death to see the Les Bleus edge home 30-29.

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