Ireland continue their Rugby World Cup campaign with a favourable looking assignment against Tonga. Widely tipped as one of the favourites for the Web Ellis Cup despite never having lifted it before, the Irish overcame Romania last week and will fancy their chances against another of the smaller nations in Nantes.
Another win is needed to ensure progress from the pool before the pressure is ramped up when Andy Farrell’s side meet South Africa and Scotland. Tonga had a week off during the opening round of matches but struggled during their summer preparations. The last time they beat a top-tier side was their tight victory over Italy in 2016.
Mack Hansen, Conor Murray, Ronan Kelleher and Josh van der Flier are all into the team as the Irish look to make it a perfect start in France. Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Live updates
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two teams have only met once at the World Cup, when Ireland won 32-9 in 1987.
Sexton not focused on breaking Ireland points record in Tonga test
Johnny Sexton could become Ireland’s record points scorer in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup clash against Tonga.
The 38-year-old needs just 10 points to move past Ronan O’Gara’s Test haul of 1,083 for Ireland.
The Lions stalwart insisted however that he will have no thoughts of that record when leading Andy Farrell’s backline against a physical, talented Tonga team in Nantes.
“It’s not something that comes into my head too often,” said Sexton. “It will be a very special moment individually, but no one else will really care.
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Ireland vs Tonga referee
English referee Wayne Barnes will take charge in Nantes with countryman Matthew Carley and Wales’ Craig Evans as assistants. The TMO will be England’s Tom Foley.
George Moala suspended for Tonga
Tonga are without injured duo Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu for the duration of the tournament. George Moala is suspended for this game and for the meetings with Scotland and South Africa after his ban for a dangerous tackle in the warm-up clash with Canada.
Toutai Kefu’s starting team features no fewer than four former All Blacks in Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau, Vaea Fifita and Augustine Pulu, with Tonga benefitting from the changes to World Rugby eligibility rules that now allow capped players to switch their international allegiances after a three-year absence. Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna captains the side.
Ireland make four changes
Ireland have made four changes to face Tonga, with Mack Hansen, Conor Murray, Ronan Kelleher and Josh van der Flier all drafted in for Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson-Park, Rob Herring and Joe McCarthy.
Fit-again duo Dave Kilcoyne and Robbie Henshaw are both on the bench, but there’s still no hooker Dan Sheehan. Jack Conan, Jimmy O’Brien and Stuart McCloskey are also not involved again.
Prediction: Ireland to win with a bonus point
We’re yet to get a look at Tonga in this tournament but they are expected to struggle to lay a glove on an Irish team with genuine ambitions of going all the way.
Ireland to win, with a bonus point
Tonga team news and lineup
Tonga XV: Piutau; Taumoepeau, Fekitoa, Ahki, Kata; Mausia, Pulu; Fisi’ihoi, Ngauamo, Tameifuna (c); Lousi, L Fifita; Halaifonua, Talitui, V Fifita
Replacements: Moli, Kolomatangi, Apikotoa, Mafi, Funaki, Vailanu, Takul, Inisi
Ireland team news and lineup
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (c), Murray; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong; Beirne, Ryan; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris
Replacements: Herring, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Henderson, Baird, Casey, Byrne, Henshaw
Where to watch Ireland vs Tonga
TV channel: In the UK, Saturday’s showdown is to be shown live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7:15pm.
Live stream: The ITV website and ITVX app will also offer a free live stream service for fans online.
Live blog: You can follow all the action live via Standard Sport’s Rugby World Cup blog.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to Standard Spot’s LIVE coverage of Ireland’s World Cup clash with Tonga.
Kick-off inside Stade de la Beaujoire is at 8pm BST.
