Johnny Sexton will direct the show as Ireland attempt to show their class at Stade de la Beaujoire.
Murray Kinsella Reports from Nantes THERE IS REAL talent in the Tongan ranks and for that reason, Ireland will need to treat them with wariness in Nantes tonight [KO 8pm Irish time, RTÉ]. But one thing the ʻIkale Tahi, the Sea Eagles, don’t have is Ireland’s sheer cohesion.
The latest edition is, admittedly, a blockbuster of sorts given the high-profile additions thanks to World Rugby’s change in the eligibility rules. Charles Salesi Piutau, Vaea Fifita, Augustine Pulu, and Malakai Fekitoa are the four ex-All Blacks who start today, while Toulouse centre Pita Ahki is another recent new face.
Having built a little more momentum last weekend against Romania, it seems clear the Ireland head coach now wants to see a really convincing, complete display from his team a week before the big pool clash with South Africa. Of chief importance is Ireland nailing their lineout, which has had a few hiccups recently.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ireland vs. Tonga: Andy Farrell makes bold selection calls, and plenty of changesAndy Farrell will make several changes to his Ireland team to face Tonga, this Saturday, as he keeps one eye on a huge game against the Springboks.
Read more »
Ireland v Tonga team announcement LIVE: Andy Farrell to name starting sideAndy Farrell will name his starting side this afternoon as Ireland take on Tonga at the weekend.
Read more »
Ireland v Tonga team announcement LIVE: Andy Farrell names starting sideAndy Farrell has named four changes to his starting line-up as Ireland take on Tonga in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup in France
Read more »
Ireland v Tonga: Andy Farrell’s line-up for Saturday a logical choiceIrish team selected for Saturday has echoes of 2007 Rugby World Cup but makes utter sense
Read more »
Ireland make four changes for Tonga as Sexton captains againAndy Farrell has gone with a very strong selection again for the clash in Nantes.
Read more »