Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

Ireland vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cupresult and reaction as Johnny Sexton breaks points scoring record

Ireland 59-16 Tonga: Andy Farrell’s top Pool B after consecutive heavy victories in France

Michael Jones
Saturday 16 September 2023 17:36 EDT
Comments
(REUTERS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ireland earned a second conescutive victory of the 2023 Rugby World Cup when they dispatched Tonga in Nantes on Saturday night. Andy Farrell’s men scored eight tries in total as they racked up over 50 points in a match for the second game in a row continuing to justfy why they are one of the favourites to win this tournament.

After a frustrating start to the game in which both teams exchanged penalty kicks, Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne went over the line to unlock his teams attacking quality and they added another three tries to secure a bonus point before the break. The most influential being Johnny Sexton’s as the 38-year-old broke Ronan O’Gara’s record to become the new all-time leading Irish points scorer.

Tonga responded with a try of their own right on the brink of half-time but they couldn’t muster a fight back in the second half. The Irish replacements contined the dominance and Rob Herring’s last minute try put the icing on the cake of another superb victory.

Relive all the action from the Stade de la Beaujoire below.

TRY! Ireland 38-16 Tonga, (James Lowe, 58 minutes)

There it is! Ireland have been hammering on the door for the duration of the second half and it’s James Lowe who forces his way over the line for Andy Farrell’s men.

Tonga’s defence is finally broken and Ireland are on their way again. Ross Byrne takes the conversion kick and pumps it over the sticks.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:39

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 55 minutes

Tonga’s defence holds firm as Ireland whizz the ball along the line from right to left and back again. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi brings down the latest attacker then smothers the ball and wins his team a penalty as it isn’t released.

The pressure eases on Tonga.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:36

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 52 minutes

No try! Ireland get their first points of the second half. Rob Herring is given the ball and drives at the line. He’s brought down but seemingly shuffles himself over the line.

The try is initially awarded but the video referee looks at the incident and the officials see that Herring moved after being tackled so the try is ruled out.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:31

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 51 minutes

Ireland continue to play aggressively. They win a penalty and boot it into the corner. A quick lineout sees them shuffle the ball down the line but a fumble scuppers the momentum.

Tonga can’t force them back though and there’ll be a few driving runs at the line now.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:27

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 47 minutes

Conor Murray pulls the ball out of the ruck and dinks a little kick in behind the Tongan line. Garry Ringrose comes flying through on the angle as the ball bobbles into the try zone but he can’t collect it and misses out on a World Cup try!

Ringrose bangs his hand into the turf in frustration. That was a huge chance but the bounce of the ball was unkind for him.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:23

PENALTY! Ireland 31-16 Tonga (William Havili, 43 minutes)

The first points of the second half go to Tonga after a simple penalty kick is booted over by William Havili. Ireland need to cut out the errors or else Tonga will continue to close the gap on them.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:19

Second half! Ireland 31-13 Tonga

Ireland get the match back underway in Nantes. They’ll be hoping to increase their lead over the Pacific Islanders to easily close out this game.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:18

HT Ireland 31-13 Tonga

(Getty Images)
(PA)
(Getty Images)
Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:10

Johnny Sexton passes Ronan O’Gara as all-time leading Irish points scorer

Johnny Sexton has passed Ronan O’Gara to become Ireland’s all-time leading points scorer in international rugby.

The 38-year-old fly half went past his predecessor in the Irish number ten shirt during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup game against Tonga in Nantes.

Having opened the scoring with a penalty, Sexton converted Tadhg Beirne’s try before adding two more from the tee after Caelan Doris was the beneficiary of a powerful maul.

Johnny Sexton passes Ronan O’Gara as all-time leading Irish points scorer

The fly half passed his predecessor in the Rugby World Cup fixture against Tonga

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:07

Half-time! Ireland 31-13 Tonga

That added time try with give Tonga a bit of hope that they can get themselves back into the match. A quick try after the break for them will be a big deal.

There’s lots left to do in this one yet.

Mike Jones16 September 2023 21:01

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in