Preview: Memories of 2022 should serve as warning for Ireland's newcomers against Fiji

It's just over two years since Andy Farrell was left venting his frustrations over his side’s sluggishness in a 35-17 win against Fiji.

A week after defeating South Africa at the Aviva, a combination of injuries and some desire to rotate the squad around contributed to nine changes to the starting team for the visit of the Fijians, and while Ireland were comfortable winners that afternoon, his side looked rudderless at times, particularly in the absence of Johnny Sexton.

"As far as the performance is concerned, pretty underwhelming," was Farrell’s assessment, and he followed through on those words.

That game marked the end of Joey Carbery in an Ireland shirt. When Jack Crowley replaced his then Munster team-mate early in the second half, we didn't realise at the time it would be for good.

Likewise, Robert Baloucoune hasn't been in an Ireland team since, while Kieran Treadwell has also fallen long down the depth chart, only playing a few minutes in a pre-World Cup friendly.

It’s a game that’s been referred back to on several occasions in the last couple of years, and is a cautionary tale for those given their opportunity to impress this afternoon, as the Fijians return to town.

With this being the third of four games in a row for Farrell’s side this month, the Ireland coach doesn’t have the luxury of selecting his strongest XV every week, and so he’s rejigged his squad this afternoon, with seven changes, two of which are making debuts, and another who is set for his first Irish start.

Having earned a first cap off the bench last week, Sam Prendergast (above) is in from the start, the same opposition Crowley debuted against back in 2022.

While Ireland didn’t score during his time on the pitch last week, the 21-year-old did impress