Full strength squad again. Very unusual. Farrell is either a genius or this will backfire badly as the tournament goes on.
RWC Week 2: Ireland
Match thread
Tonga
@Daffy-Jaffy said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:
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:
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?
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.
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.
@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-Irishman not bad for an average Ozzie 
@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.
@Billy-Tell said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:
It will take a good side to stop Ireland. Not us anyway.
Yeah they look like a well oiled machine, very few errors
@kiwiinmelb how many of this team play for Leinster? A fair number. 10? It shows. They know each other so well.
@kiwiinmelb said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:
@Billy-Tell said in RWC Week 2: Ireland v Tonga:
It will take a good side to stop Ireland. Not us anyway.
Yeah they look like a well oiled machine, very few errors
And pretty simple rugby too... get some momentum up front and then some nice back play - usually a change of line or an inside ball --- but hey have a # of players hitting each ruck regardless - nice to watch