Ireland's coach Eddie O'Sullivan is beginning to look comfortable in the job. Almost a year after he took over from Warren Gatland, he was reflecting on a victory over the world champions and looking forward to the challenge of a team who are unlikely to be world champions any time soon. At least not in what they call "XVs".

Fiji stand between Ireland and a fifth consecutive win, although the weather may prevent a game of rugby tomorrow afternoon. With touring teams, though, it takes an act of God to call off the show, so despite the problematic new Lansdowne Road pitch, where the drainage is a calamity, the official line is that it will go ahead.

The rains were easing yesterday but it remains to be seen what this will do to the best-laid plans. A week ago Ireland brought an expansive play-book to the old ground only to find the place awash. At least they had a plan B.

"We'll have to take it as we find it and do the best we can," O'Sullivan said. "This is an opportunity for a lot of guys to make an impression, so they'll be giving it their best shot, regardless of the conditions."

For the Fijians much will depend on how the replacement referee Tony Spreadbury calls the ball on the ground. They were whistled off the park against Wales so, although they had lots of possession, Stephen Jones did for them before half-time. This time David Humphreys - one of nine changes to the side - will be kicking Ireland's goals, but he would need to do much more than score a hatful of penalties to put any pressure on Ronan O'Gara.

With Waisale Serevi and Vili Satala back in the side, Fiji will offer more than they did in Cardiff, but with Ireland's defence now looking like a functional unit it should not be nearly enough for an upset.

Ireland: Murphy (Leicester); Horgan, B O'Driscoll (capt, both Leinster), Maggs (Bath), Bishop (London Irish); Humphreys (Ulster), Easterby (Llanelli); Horan, Sheahan, Hayes (all Munster), Cullen, O'Kelly (both Leinster), Quinlan (Munster), Foley (London Irish), Dawson (Munster). Replacements: Byrne, Corrigan (both Leinster), M O'Driscoll (Munster), Miller (Leinster), Stringer, O'Gara (both Munster), D'Arcy (Leinster).

Fiji: Serevi; Lasagavibau, Satala, Bai, Ligairi; Little, Rauluni; Nyholt, Smith (capt), Cavubati, Naevo, Raiwalui, Mocelutu, Koyamaibole, Dovierata. Replacements: Bui, Rasila, Rawaoa, Tawake, Rabaka, Nahruhn, Mow.