WE NEED CONSISTENCY

IRELAND are embracing Saturday’s record defeat of South Africa – but know they must back it up against Fiji and Argentina.

That’s the view of hugely experienced full-back Rob Kearney, who acknowledges top level consistency is still something Joe Schmidt’s side need to attain.

“I think we are embracing it,” said the 31-year-old. “As a group we were delighted with the win and the result. It was a comprehensive victory.

“The challenge to this team and probably Irish teams over the past decade has been to back that up and do it consistently – not have one really good, unbelievable performance and then have a dip the following week.

“You want to be known as a consistently excellent team – as opposed to just an excellent team that has an ability to dip in performance.”

Back rowers Jordi Murphy and Sean Reidy have been added to the Ireland squad for the sold-out second Guinness Series Test against the Fijians on Saturday.

Their inclusion comes after Dan Leavy and Tommy O’donnell were ruled out of selection last weekend.

Flanker Peter O’mahony is also a doubt after he came off with an ear injury after 51 minutes on Saturday.

Prop John Ryan will miss out after it was revealed he had suffered a calf injury, and he will rehab in Munster this week.

Joe Schmidt has to decide whether to go with Tadhg Furlong again in the tighthead role, or keep him in reserve with Argentina to come next week.

If Schmidt holds Furlong back, Andrew Porter will be in line for his home Test debut – and his first start – after playing on the summer tour.

Jack Mcgrath may also return at tighthead after just missing out on the Springboks game, with Cian Healy wearing the No1 jersey.

Keith Earls has returned to Munster where he will have treatment a hamstring injury.