Gus McCarthy scores debut try as Ireland dominate Fiji in Dublin

Gus McCarthy claimed a debut try and Mack Hansen touched down twice as Ireland set aside their unconvincing start to the autumn to ease to a 52-17 win over Fiji in Dublin.

Andy Farrell’s much-changed side were seeking an improved performance in their third outing of the month following a sobering defeat by New Zealand and a narrow success over Argentina.

First-half scores from Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey and Hansen put the hosts in control at the Aviva Stadium.

Bundee Aki, 21-year-old hooker McCarthy, wing Hansen and Ronan Kelleher each crossed in the second period, while rookie fly-half Sam Prendergast overcame an early yellow card to land five of seven conversions, with half-back partner Casey adding the other.

Kitione Salawa and Setareki Turagacoke registered consolations for Fiji.

But the Pacific Islanders, for whom Caleb Muntz kicked seven points, were well beaten as Ireland warmed up for next weekend’s autumn finale against Joe Schmidt’s Australia by cruising to success.

Ireland handed debuts to McCarthy and flanker Cormac Izuchukwu and a first start to number 10 Prendergast as part of seven personnel changes following the nervy 22-19 triumph over Los Pumas.

A confident start from the hosts was rewarded by a fifth-minute try when McCarthy, who was pictured in tears during the anthems, received the ball back from his lineout throw to send over skipper Doris.

Prendergast slotted the conversion but was sin-binned by referee Hollie Davidson just two minutes later after leaning a shoulder into flanker Salawa.

Fiji arrived in the Irish capital sensing a vulnerability about the hosts as they sought a first victory in this fixture to add to recent scalps of England, Australia and Wales.

The visitors fell