Ireland vs Tonga: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, odds
Reland will continue their Pool B campaign with a game against Tonga at the weekend.
In their bid to win the Rugby World Cup for the first time, the Irish are enjoying an easier start as this is the second of two games against minnows many expect them to win.
Romania were brushed aside last week and will be looking for another bonus point win here before they face defending champions South Africa and a Scottish side who probably need a win to have any chance of progressing.
Tonga has never made it past the group stage of the World Cup and had a week off during the opening round.
The Pacific Islanders have struggled warming up to the competition and last beat a top team in 2016 when they edged Italy.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs Tonga will take place on Saturday 16 September 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The host is the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
Where to watch Ireland vs Tonga?
TV channel: In the UK, Saturday’s showdown will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7:15pm.
Live broadcast: The ITV website and ITVX app also offer fans a free live stream service online.
Live blog: You can follow the entire action live Standard sport‘s Rugby World Cup Blog.
News about the Ireland vs. Tonga team
First-choice hooker Dan Sheehan is back in training for Ireland after suffering a foot injury in the build-up to the World Cup.
He is joined by Dave Kilcoyne and Robbie Henshaw, who each have hamstring problems at support and centre. Jack Conan remains out due to foot problems.
Tonga will be without injured duo Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu for the duration of the tournament. George Moala is suspended for this game.
Lineups Ireland vs. Tonga
Both teams will announce their lineups in the days leading up to the game, so check back soon!
Referee Ireland vs Tonga
English referee Wayne Barnes will take charge in Nantes, with his compatriot Matthew Carley and Craig Evans from Wales acting as assistants. The TMO will be Englishman Tom Foley.
Ireland vs Tonga prediction
We haven’t had a look at Tonga in this tournament yet, but they are expected to struggle to cope against an Irish team who have real ambitions to go all the way.
Ireland wins with a bonus point
Head-to-head history (h2h) and results
The two teams met only once at the World Cup, when Ireland won 32-9 in 1987.
Current odds for Ireland vs Tonga
Ireland to win: 1/50
Tonga wins: 25/1
Draw: 50/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/ireland-vs-tonga-rugby-world-cup-2023-kick-off-time-tv-channel-live-stream-team-news-lineups-odds-preview-b1106858.html Ireland vs Tonga: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, odds
