The Ireland rugby team continue their winning streak in the World Cup 2023 with a second bonus point victory, beating Tonga 59-16 to stay atop Pool B. A very professional and determined performance by an Irish squad determined to show their intent to be serious contenders in the tournament. The Tongan side, though spirited, were ill-disciplined, allowing Ireland to dominate in every aspect of the match. Furthermore, Ireland effectively addressed their recent lineout concerns.
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Irish team as they took another step in their 2023 Rugby World Cup journey
Ireland rugby player ratings: starting XV
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Hugo Keenan – 6/10
Not his finest 1st performance in a green jersey. A few poor early mistakes – missing early tackles and running into touch. Settled in the 2nd half and got an outstanding 50/22 in the closing minutes.
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Mack Hansen – 7/10
A subline 50:22 in the opening 10 minutes but kept his best till the 32nd minute with a superb try beating 6 Tongan players to score Ireland’s 3rd try.
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Garry Ringrose – 7/10
Made some very good defence tackles early in the game. Set up Sexton’s try with a great attack. Kept his world-class opposition quiet all night with some good defence reads.
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Bundee Aki – 8/10
Another world-class performance by the Connacht man. Provided the platform for Ireland’s lineouts attack. His excellent running lines caused Tonga problems all night. 2 tries & 10 defenders were beaten.
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James Lowe – 6/10
An unusually quiet night for Lowe but he showed his worth with his massive left-footed clearance kicks. Got over for Ireland’s 1st try in the 2nd half.
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Johnny Sexton (Capt) – 8/10
Became Ireland’s leading points scorer with a stunning try. Dictated much of what was good about what Ireland did in the first 40 minutes.
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Conor Murray – 7/10
Will have put Gibson-Park under huge pressure with this performance. His defence work rate was outstanding. But his passing accuracy and pace were world-class.
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Andrew Porter – 8/10
Will be very happy with his 40 minutes of work. His work rate in defence and attack was outstanding.
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Ronan Kelleher – 8/10
Looked back to his best with a great 40-minute performance. His Lineout throwing and carrying were outstanding in the early exchanges.
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Tadhg Furlong – 7/10
Went about his business with limited fuss. Scrum and lineout work was very good. Didn’t really see much of the ball in the attack
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Tadhg Beirne – 8/10
Settled Ireland with the first try inside the first 20 minutes. Made some huge dents in the Tongan defence with some big ball carries. His lineout defence work was excellent all night. 10 tackles
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James Ryan – 8/10
His lineout calling was excellent and back to its usual world-class standard. Won a great penalty early in the game and made some big tackles
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Peter O’Mahony – 7/10
Dominated the lineout but struggled to deal with the Tongan pressure at the breakdown which led to a yellow card on half time.
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Josh Van Der Flier – 7/10
Key to Ireland getting a quick ball to attack with some very smart breakdown work. Fell off a few tackles.
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Caelan Doris – 8/10
Great attack line & offload to set up Ireland’s first try. Got over for Ireland’s 2nd try with a good shift maul attack. 10 tackles
Ireland rugby player ratings: Replacements
16· Rob Herring – 7/10
A half-time substitution and got on and did his basic well. Got over for another Irish try.
17· Dave Kilcoyne – 5/10
A half-time substitution and looked like he needed the match minutes. Struggled in phase play defence with 4 tackles and 2 missed tackles. His scrum work was good.
18· Finlay Bealham – n/a
A half-time substitution and left it early after his introduction with an injury.
19· Ian Henderson – 7/10
Threw himself around the pitch and offered himself up to carry some ball.
20· Ryan Baird– 7/10
He threw himself into the game and looked sharp around the lineout.
21· Craig Casey – 7/10
Looked sharp for his World Cup debut. Took too much contact at times when there were better options.
22· Ross Byrne – 7/10
A half time substitution, and continued Ireland’s attack with some good long-range passing and some probing kicks
23· Robbie Henshaw – 7/10
Looked like a man with a point to prove with some strong ball-carrying.
Coach– 8/10
Will be delighted with this bonus point win against a physical Tongan team. Will be delighted with Ireland fixing their recent Lineout performance and Ireland’s slick power plays which resulted in some well-crafted tries.
