Ireland run away with impressive win over Tonga in Nantes
Much to the delight of the Dublin-esque crowd in attendance, Ireland kept their flawless start to the Rugby World Cup intact with a comfortable 59-16 win over Tonga in Nantes.
Thousands of Irish fans cheered and sang their team to victory at Stade de la Beaujoire on Saturday, with Andy Farrell’s men improving their World Cup record to two wins from as many starts.
For the rest of the rugby world, including the Springboks who play Ireland in Paris next week, take note. Ireland missed some point-scoring opportunities, but they still walked away with all five points.
This Tongan side is no joke, either. Including the likes of Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau, four former All Blacks lined up opposite the world’s number-one ranked side.
But it was Ireland’s day. They made a frighteningly clear statement with the 43-point win, and this result sets the scene for next week’s clash with the world champion Boks.
Walking through the streets of Nantes about three hours before kick-off, it was impossible to forget that there was a rugby game on – not that anyone should want to, of course.
Ireland fans soaked up the occasion at restaurants and bars before kick-off and made their way to the stadium in their droves by either walking or getting the tram. They were everywhere.
But this was nothing compared to what waited for fans at the Nantes venue. There were even more of them – tens of thousands – and they were loving every minute of the build-up.
Hours turned into minutes as the countdown to the highly anticipated Pool B clash ticked on by. Tonga laid down the challenge with the Sipi Tau, and Ireland accepted it by stepping forward as brothers-in-arms.
Moments later, Tongan flyhalf William Havili got the Test underway at 9.02 p.m. Ireland, who were wearing white, held onto the ball with veteran James Ryan rising high to collect the kick-off.
The opening five minutes were played on Tonga’s terms. Tonga dominated the territory battle but couldn’t turn any of their attacking pressure into points – they didn’t come close, really.
But the same couldn’t be said for Ireland. With their first attacking raid within Tonga’s 22, referee Wayne Barnes awarded in penalty in Ireland’s favour and they came away with some points.
Captain Johnny Sexton lined up a relatively routine penalty attempt from close range, and the legendary playmaker made no mistake. Ireland, much to the enjoyment of the crowd, were leading 3-nil.
There was a little bit of everything during the next nine minutes or so, including a 50/22 from wing Mack Hansen – a kick from well inside his own half. But the score didn’t change, and it was tense.
Tonga were the next team to score with flyhalf Havili converting a long-range attempt from about 50 metres out. Almost out of nowhere, the two nations were level and it was truly anyone’s game.
Out of nowhere, Tonga wing Afusipa Taumoepeau dropped the ball cold inside his own 22, and the Irish made the most of their opportunity to strike – or so everyone thought. Andrew Porter crashed over, but the try was called back by the TMO for a knock-on against Ireland.
Tonga were handed a lifeline, but Ireland had an advantage. They were awarded an attacking scrum, but they ended up blowing another chance to regain the lead.
The score stayed at 3-all, but there was a sense of inevitability about Ireland scoring next. Shortly after, right on cue, Ireland had their moment.
Tadhg Beirne scored the opening try of the Test after some brilliant lead-up play. The towering lock needed every centimetre of his height as he desperately reached out for the try.
But their 10-3 lead didn’t last long. Havili cut the deficit down to four points with another penalty, but that’s as good as it got for Tonga, really. It was all one-way traffic from there.
Celan Doris, Mack Hansen and Johnny Sexton crossed for a try each as Ireland raced away with a big lead on the back of a rapid 12-minute period.
Tonga did have the final say, though. Flanker Peter O’Mahony was sent to the sin bin in the 42nd minute, and Vaea Fifita made the most of the one-player advantage with a try soon after.
The late score made the scoreboard a bit more interesting going into the break, but Ireland still looked comfortable in pole position with a 31-13 lead.
Captain Sexton, prop Andrew Porter and hooker Ronan Kelleher were replaced at the break, and the men in white weren’t as dominant to start the second term.
Tonga scored first through the reliable goal-kicking boot of Havili, as the Pacific Island nation cut their deficit down to 15 points.
But Ireland was back in business soon after. New Zealand-born wing James Lowe scored just before the hour mark as the Irish all but secured the win with 20 to play.
Centre Bunde Aki sent the vibrant crowd into a frenzy with a rapid double in six minutes, and a late score to replacement Rob Herring saw Ireland run away with a headline-grabbing win in Nantes. Next up: South Africa at Stade de France.
Comments on RugbyPass
I don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
31 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
31 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
16 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
2 Go to comments“_It seems like a crazy thing that he was counting them_“ Are you stupid, mate? Anyone with more than half a brain understands that he meant “a lot” or something similar. Do you really think he was counting? “*Goode*: Told you, Jim!“ No, you banana. You said, explicitly, that the Irish players didn’t say what EE said they did. Even though you weren’t there. Even though you didn’t hear a word they said. M0r0n.
111 Go to commentsI am sure that Scott Robertson did do the courtesy of telling Sam Cane that he was not in his All Black plans and NZR would support him if he wished to sign a lucrative pension playing out his career in the cream puff rugby that is Japan’s Top League. I fail to see this as a negative as Israel Dagg is trying to spin it. Razor allowed Cane to leave with dignity rather than being unceremoniously dumped as was Buck Shelford.
6 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsAT THE END OF THE DAY THE TEAM WITH 4 WORLD CUPS WILL ALWAYS GET TO TELL THE OTHER NATION TO SUCK MY BALLS. THIS IS A SCIENTIFIC AND IRREFUTABLE FACT.
111 Go to commentsWish him and his family the best in his retirement from International rugby and into the future.
1 Go to commentsSelf proclaimed expert/pundit Andy Goode and his very personal views on referees…Why recalling them in such an article as if he were an undisputed authority on the subject ? Only because fellow writer ?
1 Go to comments