Farrell said: “I get why it is [a yellow] but, to me, he turned his back and it’s harsh enough. I’ll have to have a look at it again, but that’s the game, isn’t it? I thought our discipline was pretty good in general.
“He [Prendergast] had a few mistakes within his game, but he was pulling the strings for a good while, and he was really, really composed.”
Farrell made seven changes for the game, including handing first caps for McCarthy and flanker Cormac Izuchukwu and a maiden start for Prendergast. His much-changed side produced Ireland’s most convincing display of an autumn campaign which began with a sobering defeat by New Zealand and a narrow success over Argentina.
“For all sorts of reasons it was very pleasing,” said Farrell. “There’s some really nice stories within our group, with two debutants and people getting a chance to get their second, third start.
“To get the win, play some nice rugby, could have, should have done better at times, but I thought we controlled the game very well.”
Ireland, who host Australia next week, are awaiting injury news on Jacob Stockdale (hamstring) and Jamie Osborne (groin) following a bruising encounter.
Fiji, who scored tries through Salawa and Setareki Turagacoke, conceded 17 penalties during the contest. “At the end of the day, it’s on us, we need to get better,” Byrne said of the high penalty count. “But the 50-50s, that last try [Kelleher’s], if you have another look at it, the green jersey holding on to the white jersey, nothing happens at TMO. I’m sure if it was the other way around, we might not have got that try allowed.”
Team details
Ireland: Osborne, Hansen, Henshaw, Aki, Stockdale, S. Prendergast, Casey, Porter, Mccarthy, Bealham, McCarthy, Beirne, Izuchukwu, van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Clarkson, Henderson, C. Prendergast, Murray, Frawley, McCloskey.
Fiji: Karawalevu, Wainiqolo, Nayacalevu Vuidravuwalu, Tuisova, Loganimasi, Muntz, Lomani, Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Vocevoce, Mayanavanua, Derenalagi, Salawa, Canakaivata.
Replacements: Matavesi, Hetet, Tawake, Turagacoke, Tuisue, Matawalu, Botitu, Maqala.
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)