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That's probably near enough the starting line-up for the match against South Africa next weekend. Sheehan might be fit enough to shift Kelleher or else on bench as part of an Irish Scuad Buama.

@Derm-McCrum when Conan is fit, does Doris shift to 6, Conan to 8 with POM to the bench? Or does Conan start on the bench?

Full strength squad again. Very unusual. Farrell is either a genius or this will backfire badly as the tournament goes on.

@Daffy-Jaffy said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

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A couple of handy ex ABs there, including this bloke.

@stodders said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

@Derm-McCrum when Conan is fit, does Doris shift to 6, Conan to 8 with POM to the bench? Or does Conan start on the bench?

Conan on bench has been the more regular selection in last 12 months. However, Farrell may want to change things up for the SA match in terms of starting strength and bench power. He's tried out Beirne at 6 and Doris at 7. McCarthy and Baird might also be considered for the bench as hybrid lock/backrowers. Might he even consider a 6/2 split with Gibson-Park playing the full 80?

@The-Irishman said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

Full strength squad again. Very unusual. Farrell is either a genius or this will backfire badly as the tournament goes on.

Is Henshaw not considered first choice in the midfield anymore ?

Gosh what NZ would give for that depth in that position after the donkeys who played there this morning.

@Daffy-Jaffy said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

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Who's up on Tongan rugby? Is that their best team? It can't be right, Kata is in it. :beaming_face_with_smiling_eyes: And would have thought Coleman would have been starting.

Also congrats to Ben T at getting the captaincy nod, should have been AB (especially now that we're happy to pick fatties like Tamati Williams) but good to see him still strutting around with Tonga.

Also, anyone know why Folau missed out on the squad?

@Nepia he got injured

@Duluth said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

@Nepia he got injured

Praise the lord.

Tonga need to be a whole lot more accurate at breakdown or its going to be a long 80 minutes

Barnes riding Tonga so far.

Ireland looking slick.

Tonga discipline woeful.

Every single lineout maul Ireland have about 4 in front of the ball carrier. Barnes needs to be told.

Donal Lenihan on my feed whinging about NZ poaching of the Tongans, while there are 2 New Zealanders and 2 Australians in the Irish side.

Cabbage.

All the tricks from Ireland. Clearing out behind the ruck. Obstruction from POM. Sexton taking more than the allotted time to kick the penalty.

@Billy-Tell said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

All the tricks from Ireland. Clearing out behind the ruck. Obstruction from POM. Sexton taking more than the allotted time to kick the penalty.

They tackle the tackler and tackle the arriving defenders. Been at it for years.

Doris is such a good player.

Was that pass not forward?

15 for Tonga is a class player

If tongs want a chance they have to cut out crap like that from piutau.

Long night ahead

NO one in front of the ball carrier at the start of that maul

@Mattasaurus said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

NO one in front of the ball carrier at the start of that maul

was just about to say it. Bloody joke it is.

Tonga have to be careful flying into the rucks.

Red cards waiting to happen.

Ireland, like all top rugby teams, are colossal cheats.

The sheer number of Ireland cleaners who just flop over the ruck, sealing off the ball. I counted 3 piled on top of each other in one ruck alone.

Pure class from Hansen

Super slick from Ireland

James Lowe entered that ruck on the wing sideways from 9 o clock position and just tackled a bloke.

@The-Irishman not bad for an average Ozzie

Tonga have been fairly ropey.

@Steve they do it with such speed though. Like ABs used to when everyone used to whinge about their ruck entries

Great stepping there, and some poor tackle efforts there.

I

Ireland so strong, so organised.

@sparky very. Next week against SA is going to be some game.

@sparky said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:

Ireland so strong, so organised.

Everyone of them know and trust what the other is going to do - impressive - and out there giving it all for each other.....

Pre-Sexton I used to like supporting Ireland.... I just can't stand him.... I'm such a small petty man

Tonga has been awful, falling off tackles, messing around with the ball on the ground, just a training run for Ireland.

It will take a good side to stop Ireland. Not us anyway.

Andy Farrell will be coaching the Lions in 2025 then.