Are Fiji now capable of beating Ireland for the first time in their history?

And why are the Pacific Islanders everyone’s second favourite team?

Listen | 24:37
Fiji's wing Jiuta Wainiqolo (R) makes a break during the Autumn International rugby union match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, on November 12, 2022. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
Fiji's wing Jiuta Wainiqolo (R) makes a break during the Autumn International rugby union match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, on November 12, 2022. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

Everyone seems to love to watch Fiji, but what is it about the Pacific Island nation that is so endearing?

Is it their thrilling style of play, nostalgia for larger than life characters of years past, or simply the fact that they have improved to be a genuine threat at rugby’s top table?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to chat through their memories of Fijian rugby. Gordon recalls a difficult day marking Sevens legend Waisale Serevi, while John points out his fondness for a number of Fijian payers he has covered.

The panel also analyses Fiji’s structural improvement under former Leinster assistant coach Mick Byrne. Are they now a genuine threat to beat Ireland for the first time in their history?

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Produced by John Casey.