Ireland vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest updates as Johnny Sexton penalty opens scoring

No try! Ireland thought they were in. A kick is up the pitch is spilled by the Tonga full-back before Mack Hansen scoops up the ball. He doesn’t collect it cleanly though and knocks on himself before continuing the move.

The Irish work it over to the right and score but their joy is shortlived as Hansen’s knock on is flagged immediately. Scrum to Ireland for Tonga’s initial knock on.

Tonga are going to kick for goal from a long, long way out to try and draw this match level. Fly-half, William Havili, is the chosen kicker and he bombs it right between the sticks.

Wonderful kick. There’s a game on now in Nantes.

Ireland work their way over to the left side of the pitch and give the ball to Johnny Sexton. He releases the ball to James Lowe on the left wing but he’s stopped in his tracks.

There aren’t enough Irish bodies around to get into the ruck and Tonga take control of the ball before winning themselves another penalty.

A solid run from Salesi Piutau sees him stopped in his track by James Ryan who hits him with a wrapping tackle around the waist. Tonga put the ball out of play but recover it quickly and target the Irish 22 with a booming kick down the field.

It doesn’t quite reach the line before heading into touch.

Ireland wisely elect to kick from the penalty and Johnny Sexton steps up to the ball. He’s tight on the kick clock but smokes it down the middle.

Tonga are asking whether he went over time but the referee calmly explains that he didn’t as a hooter would have sounded. Ireland move into the lead.

Tadhg Beirne wins the lineout but Tonga recover possession in the following ruck and look to move it wide. A forward pass stops them in their tracks.

Ireland then push up the pitch and win a penalty.

Tonga, playing their first match of the 2023 World Cup, kick off the game and chase after the ball making their forward line known to Ireland immediately with a couple of heavy hits.

The national anthems are played just ahead of kick off in Nantes. Tonga will be stubborn opponents but they’re coming up against the No. 1 side in the world and Ireland have named a strong line-up.

This won’t be an easy task for the Pacific Islanders.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV: “The game is important to us. It is a completely different type of game compared to last week.

“We’re respecting the opposition because of the quality that is there, as a collective and individuals and coaching staff.

“We know they are a big side, not just big but a physical side who can play the game,. They have a very good set piece and good maul. They want to hit in defence so we need to move them about a bit.”

Ireland XV: 15-Hugo Keenan, 14-Mack Hansen, 13-Garry Ringrose, 12-Bundee Aki, 11-James Lowe, 10-Johnny Sexton, 9-Conor Murray, 1-Andrew Porter, 2-Ronan Kelleher, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Tadhg Beirne, 5-James Ryan, 6-Peter O’Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-Caelan Doris

Replacements: 16-Rob Herring, 17-David Kilcoyne, 18-Finlay Bealham, 19-Iain Henderson, 20-Ryan Baird, 21-Craig Casey, 22-Ross Byrne, 23-Robbie Henshaw

Tonga XV: 15-Salesi Piutau, 14-Afusipa Taumoepeau, 13-Malakai Fekitoa, 12-Pita Ahki, 11-Solomone Kata, 10-William Havili, 9-Augustine Pulu,1-Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2-Paula Ngauamo, 3-Ben Tameifuna, 4-Sam Lousi, 5-Halaleva Fifita, 6-Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7-Sione Talitui, 8-Vaea Fifita.

Replacements: 16-Sam Moli, 17-Tau Koloamatangi, 18-Sosefo Apikotoa, 19-Semisi Paea, 20-Solomone Funaki, 21-Sione Vailanu, 22-Sonatane Takulua, 23-Fine Inisi