Jake White says Fiji gave Ireland a warning before South Africa test

Jake White says Fiji’s first-half challenge in their 43-15 loss to Ireland may have exposed weaknesses the hosts need to address before facing world champions South Africa in Dublin next week.

The former Springboks coach, now in charge of Fiji, said his side had “probably done Ireland a favour” by making the match difficult before Ireland pulled clear. The hosts led 17-15 at half-time, then scored 26 unanswered points after the break. Ireland beat Fiji 43-15.

White said Ireland could be “up against it” if they played as they had against Fiji. He pointed to decisions by his own side in attacking positions, including choosing a tap penalty instead of a scrum while the game was close. He argued South Africa would have backed themselves to press for a yellow card through repeated scrums, or opted for a line-out in the corner.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell said his team had taken lessons from the match. He also said the final margin flattered Ireland, noting that Fiji had been stronger in collisions and that the teams were separated by only two points at the interval.

Ireland’s James McNabney will miss the South Africa match after suffering a head injury during his brief debut from the bench, Farrell said.