Ireland vs Tonga – Rugby World Cup 2023: Tournament favourites aim to build on winning start – FREE stream, TV, line-ups

IRELAND will continue their Rugby World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday night.

Andy Farrell’s side went into the tournament as favourites, and they didn’t disappoint on the opening weekend.

Johnny Sexton celebrates after Ireland beat Romania at the 2023 Rugby World CupSportsfile

The Irish brushed Romania aside in a 12-try thrashing, which propelled them to the top of Pool B.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton also returned after six months out in a major boost to Farrell’s side’s Rugby World Cup hopes.

In their quest to lift their first-ever Webb Ellis Cup, the Six Nations champions are currently on a run of 14 straight wins – and they don’t look like slowing down.

When is Ireland vs Tonga?

Ireland vs Tonga will take place on Saturday, September 16.
Kick off is set for 8pm BST.
The Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes will host.

What TV channel is Ireland vs Tonga on and can it be live streamed FREE?

Ireland vs Tonga will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1.
You can live stream all the action for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

Ireland vs Tonga squads

Ireland

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, David Kilcoyne, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jimmy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton (captain).

Tonga

Forwards: Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Leva Fifita, Vaea Fifita, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, Solomone Funaki, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Havili Talitui, Tau Koloamatangi, Paula Latu, Sam Lousi, Sitiveni Mafi, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Paula Ngauamo, Semisi Paea, Ben Tameifuna, Sione Vailanu.

Backs: Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Solomone Kata, Otumaka Mausia, George Moala, Manu Paea, Salesi Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua (captain), Kyren Taumoefolau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Anzelo Tuitavuki.

What are the odds?

Match result

Ireland – 1/50

Draw – 50/1

Tonga – 22/1

*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.