The final match of a jam-packed second Saturday in the 2023 Rugby World Cup will see Ireland looking to tighten their grip on the lead in Pool B when they take on Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire.
Ireland come into this match following a massive win over Romania in their opening match of the competition, while Tonga will be making their first appearance of the tournament in this one.
Match preview
The number one ranked team in the world sent a clear message to the teams at this year's tournament as they completely demolished Romania in their opening match, running out as 82-8 winners.
Despite a minor scare at the start of the match, when Gabriel Rupanu scored inside the first five minutes, Ireland controlled the match in every area of the field and showed their dominance as they denied their opposition a single point in the second period.
While contributions came from several players, Johnny Sexton was arguably the standout for the Irish as the skipper led from the front, notching 24 points by himself with two tries and seven conversions.
Ireland have been excellent over the last 18 months and are currently on a 13-match winning streak, including an unbeaten run at the Six Nations earlier this year, which saw them take the title off France.
There is certainly no denying the gulf in class between these two sides, but Andy Farrell and co will know they are in for a much tougher match here than last week's opponents.
While many may not feel that Tonga will be able to challenge for a knockout place, it would be completely unfair to assume that they are not in with at least a chance.
The Sea Eagles are a quality outfit, and they will be fully aware that their chances of progressing rest on their ability to pull off an upset over one of the three higher-ranked sides in the Pool.
However, their warm-up campaign was far from impressive and included losses to Fiji, Japan and Samoa, though they did manage to overcome Canada home and away last month, which will give them some momentum heading into this match.
On paper, Tonga should not have much of a chance here, but with Ireland needing to manage their players' fitness with crucial matches against the Boks and Scotland still to come, the men in red could make this a nervy 80 minutes for the world number one if they can get off to a fast start.
Ireland Rugby World Cup form:
- W
Ireland form (all competitions):
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
Tonga form (all competitions):
- W
- L
- L
- L
- W
- W
Team News
While many would have expected wholesale changes for this match, Farrell has opted for just four changes to the team he fielded against Romania last week.
Skipper Sexton retains his place at fly-half, but he will be partnered in the halves pairing by Conor Murray, who replaces Jamison Gibson-Park.
Mack Hansen will make his first start of the tournament on the flank, with Ronan Kelleher and Josh van der Flier being the other three that come into the starting 15 for this one.
Toutai Kefu has called on four former New Zeland internationals in his starting lineup, with Salesi Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, Augustine Pulu and Vaea Fifita all set to make their first appearance of the tournament in this opening fixture.
Ben Tameifuna will skipper Tonga from the front of the pack alongside Paula Ngauamo and Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, with Sam Lousi and Halaleva Fifita providing the strength in the second row.
Ireland starting lineup: 15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton (c), 9. Conor Murray, 8. Caelan Doris, 7. Josh van der Flier, 6. Peter O'Mahony, 5. James Ryan, 4. Tadhg Beirne, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 2 .Ronan Kelleher, 1. Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16. Rob Herring, 17. David Kilcoyne, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Iain Henderson, 20. Ryan Baird, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Robbie Henshaw
Tonga starting lineup: 15. Salesi Piutau, 14. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 12. Pita Ahki, 11. Solomone Kata, 10. William Havili, 9. Augustine Pulu, 8. Vaea Fifita, 7. Sione Talitui, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5. Halaleva Fifita, 4. Sam Lousi, 3. Ben Tameifuna (c), 2. Paula Ngauamo, 1. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi
Replacements: 16. Sam Moli, 17. Tau Koloamatangi, 18. Sosefo Apikotoa, 19. Semisi Paea, 20. Solomone Funaki, 21. Sione Vailanu, 22. Sonatane Takulua, 23. Fine Inisi
Head To Head
These sides have only met once at the World Cup back in 1987. Ireland won the match 32-9.
We say: Ireland 49-7 Tonga
There is a huge difference in class between these sides, but it is these types of matches that make the Rugby World Cup so special.
While we are not expecting the 70+ point margin of victory we saw in Ireland's last match, we do still feel they will win this one very comfortably.
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