Furlong in line for Ireland return against Fiji

Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is expected to see his first action of the autumn series against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The tight-head suffered a hamstring issue in training before Ireland’s game against the All Blacks and was absent for both that defeat and the win against Argentina.

He took part in training on Tuesday, however, with Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty describing the 32-year-old as “bullish”.

“[Furlong is] full of energy,” he said.

“He got through the session [Tuesday] and he will be assessed as we go along.

“I’d say [he is] bullish, he’s eager to get back and excited to be in and around the team again. It’s lonely when you’re outside of that so he’s excited to be in and around the team, and we are excited as well.”

Ulster prop Tom O’Toole is also expected to be available on Saturday having missed out against Argentina, although Ryan Baird is injured.

While changes are expected for what is Ireland’s third game of four this month, Fogarty said they will be respecting the threat of opponents who have beaten Wales and Spain, but lost to Scotland, this November.

“I think it’s important that we are doing right by everyone in our side, continuing to look for a performance,” he added.

“Fiji have improved. We played them two years ago and they’ve certainly improved. You see that through the Wales game, they didn’t quite have the full side out in that Scotland match, but they’re a dangerous side.

“So, it’s important that we are focusing on developing a good performance. Andy [Farrell] and ourselves will select accordingly.”