DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland’s new charges gave coach Andy Farrell options to consider ahead of the fall rugby closer to Australia after they comfortably handled Fiji 52-17 on Saturday.

All eight of Ireland’s tries came from set pieces, and the result – and a 29-year perfect record against Fiji – was effectively secured at half-time, when they led 28-3.

Fiji have made historic wins in Europe over the past 15 months against England, Australia and Wales but have struggled to find any rhythm. It was undermined by 11 penalties in the first half, alone, and a terrible 17 in total, and a powerful backline was stifled.

Farrell made seven changes to the Ireland XV after the subdued performances against New Zealand and Argentina, to inject some life and spice into his aging squad, and they impressed while overcoming some bumps.

Sam Prendergast, the starting fly-half in his second Test, was sin-binned in just the eighth minute for a shoulder shot but returned to handle the backline coolly with soft hands, confident loops and accurate kicks on and off the tee. He set up a try with a cross kick and converted five.

On debut, Gus McCarthy deepened Ireland’s vast stock of whores with no-look passes and a try after two angled throw-ins, while flanker Cormac Izuchukwu stood out with a high work rate. He would also have had a try, but for a forward pass.

Ireland butchered three tries, and man of the match Bundee Aki was held up over the line, denying him a second try as he bounced back from being dropped following the loss in New Zealand.

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