RWC 2023 Ireland v Tonga Match Thread: Group B - Sat 16th Sep 20:00 Nantes

A preview of the match using WWF characters:

Ireland have picked a side to play as Demolition and Tonga are more The Islanders than The South Pacific Savages

Gone are the days of Diving Headbutts but The Islanders do have a rich tradition of attempting to destroy everything in their path in the most brutal manner possible.

There is little doubt that Haku and Tama will deliver an early onslaught of diving splashes, hip attacks and savate kicks to try and put Demolition up against the ropes.

Demolition are wiley old campaigners and will try and take the legs out of The Islanders with nerve holds at scrum and thrusts from mauls.

Ax and Smash will then start to launch into a repertoire of kicks and a wide variety of strike moves before implementing their combination attack game. Its hard to see how The islanders will be able to survive for long.

Ireland:

Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Gary Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jonathan Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Rob Herring, David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, Robbie Henshaw.

Tonga:

Charles Salesi Piutau; Afusipa Taumoepeau, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Solomone Kata; William Havili, Augustine Pulu; Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna (capt); Samiuela Lousi, Halaleva Fifita; Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Talitui, Vaea Fifita

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Semisi Paea, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu, Sonatane Takul, Fine Inisi

Officials:

Referee: Barnes

Assistants: Craig Evans and Matthew Carley

TMO: Tom Foley

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/match/pool-b-ireland-tonga#match_details

TV: RTÉ 2 (coverage starts at 19.00), ITV 1 (19.15).

“We need to come up with a bit of a plan and I think we’ve got one; it’s going to be good.” – Toutai Kefu (aka Bobby The Brain Heenan)

_________Hopefully nobody gets Kefu'c#ed up________

__________________50th minute mark__________________