IRFU disrespect Fijians with Non-Cap "Test match"

First topic message reminder :

As many of you know, Ireland play Fiji next week in Limerick in the second weekend of the Autumn Internationals. What most Ireland fans are probably aware of but others may not be is that this game is billed as an "Ireland XV" versus Fiji. No caps will be awarded, no rankings points will be contested.

It is rumoured that this is due to Ireland being contractually obliged to play all full internationals in the national stadium in Dublin. I was at the Samoa Autumn International in 2011 which was sparsely attended and can only think it's a good idea for us to move these games around the country- it gives fans who can't afford the trip to Dublin the chance to see the national side and playing in smaller grounds generates a better atmosphere, considering the demand for tickets is likely to be fairly low.

However whatever sense this might make from our point of view and whatever the reasons for this match not having 'test match' status, the closer we get to the test match the more I feel we are grievously insulting the visiting side. Fiji have just come off a heavy defeat to England but in that game they picked a team of players to represent their country, and those 15 men gave everything they had in front of a big crowd. Regardless of the result their efforts on the day and the effort they've expended throughout their career to reach the highest level of the sport will be recognised with a test cap.

But next weekend they won't be as the IRFU have trivialized the meeting between the two sides. Should Fiji shock the bookies and record an historic victory, it won't count in the official statistics for meetings between the two sides. I feel very uncomfortable about this to be honest. It seems like we are being very disrespectful to our visitors here- whilst the reasons behind this matches unusual status are murky, this should be considered a full international. I do feel that it's not represents the raw deal Pacific Islands nations have to continue to deal with on the international stage.

Casartelli wrote:Assuming this contract excuse is correct - it would have been a great gesture by Aviva to allow Ireland (as the game is going ahead regardless - albeit with non-cap status) to play it as a full test.

Would have gained them lots of positive 'PR' - and showed themselves as a sponsor as interested in the game as they are the prawn sandwiches & fizzy water.

We are the hardcore in terms of rugby fans. I don't think 90% of fans will care much, especially if Kidney rings the changes for this game.