Ireland vs Tonga: Kick-off time, TV channel, crew news, lineups right now
In their quest to raise the Webb Ellis Cup for the primary time, the Irish are having fun with being eased into proceedings with this the second of two Pool B video games towards smaller nations that they’re broadly tipped to win.
Romania were brushed aside last week in a 12-try onslaught within the searing warmth of Bordeaux that noticed captain Johnny Sexton’s return and one other bonus-point victory is predicted right here, earlier than they face holders South Africa and a Scotland facet more likely to want a win to have any likelihood of progressing to the quarter-finals.
Tonga have by no means made it out of the World Cup pool stage and had their week off throughout the opening spherical of matches.
The Pacific Islanders struggled of their warm-up for the competitors and final beat a top-tier facet in 2016, after they edged out Italy.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs Tonga takes place right now, Saturday September 16, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes will host the sport.
Where to look at Ireland vs Tonga
TV channel: In the UK, Saturday’s showdown is to be proven reside and free to air on ITV1, with protection beginning at 7:15pm.
Live stream: The ITV web site and ITVX app may even supply a free reside stream service for followers on-line.
Live weblog: You can comply with all of the motion reside through Standard Sport’s Rugby World Cup weblog.
Ireland vs Tonga crew news
Ireland have made 4 modifications 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 each on the bench, however there’s nonetheless no hooker Dan Sheehan. Jack Conan, Jimmy O’Brien and Stuart McCloskey are additionally not concerned once more.
Tonga are with out injured duo Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu at some stage in the event. George Moala is suspended for this recreation and for the conferences with Scotland and South Africa after his ban for a harmful deal with within the warm-up conflict with Canada.
Toutai Kefu’s beginning crew options no fewer than 4 former All Blacks in Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau, Vaea Fifita and Augustine Pulu, with Tonga benefitting from the modifications to World Rugby eligibility guidelines that now enable capped gamers to modify their worldwide allegiances after a three-year absence. Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna captains the facet.
Ireland vs Tonga lineups
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
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 vs Tonga referee
English referee Wayne Barnes will take cost in Nantes with countryman Matthew Carley and Wales’ Craig Evans as assistants. The TMO will probably be England’s Tom Foley.
Ireland vs Tonga prediction
We’re but to get a have a look at Tonga on this event however they’re anticipated to battle to put a glove on an Irish crew with real ambitions of going all the best way.
Ireland to win, with a bonus level
Head to move (h2h) historical past and outcomes
The two groups have solely met as soon as on the World Cup, when Ireland received 32-9 in 1987.
Ireland vs Tonga newest odds
Ireland to win: 1/200
Tonga to win: 50/1
Draw: 50/1
Odds through Betfair (topic to vary).