The Irish easily beat Tonga on Saturday in Nantes, confirming their rise in power in the 2023 World Cup, with an offensive bonus and Johnny Sexton’s record for the number of points scored in the green jersey (1090).
Published on: 09/16/2023 – 11:35 p.m. Modified on: 09/17/2023 – 00:52
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Ireland once again made a strong impression by crushing Tonga 59-16 on Saturday September 16 in the 2023 World Cup in Nantes, obtaining the offensive bonus point in the first half, a week after sweeping Romania (82- 8).
The Irish have ten points in the standings after two matches and all the signals are green before the two shocks against South Africa and Scotland, with no less than 141 points and 20 tries scored in two matches.
After the Irish victory over a weak team from Romania (82-8), we expected a lot from this match in Nantes against a team from Tonga which had four former All Blacks in its XV: Charles Piutau (back), Malakai Fekitoa (center ), Augustine Pulu (scrum half) and Vaea Fifita (third row), as well as a former wallaby Adam Coleman in 2nd row.
But more was needed to raise doubts and counter an Irish team that is still as solid and well-oiled, which also knows how to be ingenious offensively, proving once again that its status as the best nation in the world in the World Rugby rankings was anything but usurped.
Tonga, who were making their debut in the competition, launched their first challenge during their haka against the Irish wearing white jerseys.
Sexton passes O’Gara
As expected, the Tongans showed a lot of enthusiasm in the fight and distributed fierce tackles but suffered in the static phases and rucks, showing too much indiscipline to compete.
The 2nd line Tadgh Beirne (21st), the 3rd line Caelan Doris (26th), Mack Hansen after a tightrope walk on his wing (33rd) and Johnny Sexton allowed Ireland to secure the offensive bonus before the break and to widen a large gap on the scoreboard (31-13 at half-time).
In the 38th minute, Johnny Sexton had the luxury of breaking the points record in Ronan O’Gara’s green jersey with a try under the posts after a beautiful “made in Ireland” move. The approximately 12,000 Irish supporters present exulted and cheered their hero.
“I was just happy to score a try. I seemed to have beaten him on the penalty just before. My son will certainly be happier than me,” Johnny Sexton said in a press conference after the match.
Read alsoRugby World Cup: Johnny Sexton takes care of his statistics
Upon returning from the locker room, coach Andy Farrell did not hesitate to preserve his strategist by replacing him with his understudy Ross Byrne.
Johnny Sexton in Nantes, September 16, 2023 © LOIC VENANCE / AFP
After a slight drop in speed between the 40th and 60th, the Irish increased their intensity and continued their attempts against the helpless Tongans.
“I’m more than happy. We were able to gauge ourselves in a complicated match. It’s always tough against Tonga, given their qualities,” said Irish coach Andy Farrell.
The Irish now have a week to prepare for a match that will make the entire rugby world salivate against the Springboks on September 23 at the Stade de France.
The “Eagles of the Seas” will face Scotland on September 24 for their next match.
With AFP
