With the Tongans a physical outfit, Ireland have a very delicate balancing act to perform in protecting key players while also ensuring they claim the points against the men from the Pacific.
Ireland v Tonga
Saturday 16 September
La Beaujoire, Nantes
Ireland 1/100 | Draw 45/1 | Tonga 14/1
Apart from the opening five minutes of their clash with Romania, the Irish looked as good as they could. Yes, Romania are extremely weak having left a number of big guns at home but you can only play what’s in front of you, and that’s what Andy Farrell’s men did, running in 12 tries on their way to an 82-8 victory.
Farrell will have been especially pleased with the form shown by veteran pivot Jonathon Sexton who marked his return from a six-month injury and suspension layoff with two tries. The Irish outhalf underlined just how crucial he will be for his side as he took the game by the scruff of the neck after the Irish had conceded a shock early try to Romania.
The big debate is whether Sexton will play this weekend. He did not look rusty at all against Romania and Farrell may want to keep him out of the firing line here as Tonga are a physical side with big ball carrying forwards who love targeting the ten channel.
Farrell is likely to rest a couple of big names as well, although I suspect this will be more in the backline than in the forward pack as Ireland will look to use their tight five to pummel the Tongans into submission.
Tonga will certainly be up for the fight for this one. They are no longer just a big and bruising physical side, they now have a bit of guile to them with George Moala, Vaea Fifita, Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau and Augustine Pulu, as well as former Wallaby Adam Coleman apart of their ranks.
The handicap looks a big one and I think Tonga are being taken far too lightly here. While I can’t see them getting close to winning it, I can see them mixing it with the Irish and staying within the ‘cap.
Verdict: Tonga (+35.5) 9/10
