Ireland second row James Ryan believes the competition for places is "a great thing" as Andy Farrell's side prepare to face Fiji in the Nations Championship in Dublin on Saturday.

The 30-year-old had to content himself with a place among the replacements for last week's 42-12 win over Argentina but he has been recalled to the starting line-up for the Fiji game and will partner stand-in captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row in one of seven changes made by Farrell.

With all eyes on this second of three games before the finals weekend at the end of the month at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, Ryan is happy to fill whatever role is given to him.

"It's important to make the most of every opportunity you get to represent Ireland," said the Leinster forward.

"That [bench] was just my role last week and everyone has a part to play.

"There's huge competition now right across the board. For me, I look at it as a great thing as proper players love competition. It forces you to improve your game and find new levels."

Fiji come into this game after a 54-17 humbling by France in Lyon.

The Pacific islanders are without a win in the competition, having lost all three of their summer fixtures which also took place away from home.

While Ireland will start as favourites against Jake White's side, Ryan insists they can take nothing for granted and feels the battle up front will be "very important".

"They brought in Gert Smal from South Africa to come in and look after their set-piece," he noted.

"Jake White has come in there recently as well, so they are going to get better week-on-week.

"They are unbelievably good around the ruck, probably world leaders in terms of the number of turnovers they get and how strong they are over the ball, so it's a big one for us up front."