Les coéquipiers de Josh van der Flier défient ceux du joueur du Stade Toulousain Pita Ahki à Nantes, pour cette rencontre du groupe B.
Before the last two crucial matches in Group B, Ireland must first face Tonga on September 16th in Nantes (9 PM). Tonga is a much tougher opponent than Romania, who were defeated in the opening match (82-8).
The coach Andy Farrell anticipates a physically challenging match, similar to Ireland’s narrow victory against Samoa in preparation (17-13). « We need to step up in this area, as we know that Tonga wants to start their competition in the best way possible, » he warned.
For this match, Farrell has decided to field a highly experienced halfback pairing, consisting of scrum-half Conor Murray (34 years old), who replaces Jamison Gibson-Park, and legendary fly-half Johnny Sexton (38 years old), who needs playing time.
Une façon de se préparer au choc qui attend les Irlandais lors de leur match contre les Sud-Africains le 23 septembre au Stade de France.
