Ireland's head coach, Andy Farrell, has once again gone with a strong lineup to take on Tonga in the Rugby World Cup.
Despite discussions about Farrell potentially giving some of the fringe players a chance due to the upcoming pivotal match against South Africa next week, that isn't the case.
Farrell has implemented four changes to the squad that secured victory over Romania in Bordeaux last weekend. Mack Hansen and Conor Murray have stepped in for Keith Earls and Jamison Gibson-Park on the wing and at scrum-half, respectively.
Ronan Kelleher and Josh van der Flier have also been selected in place of Rob Herring and Joe McCarthy for the upcoming match in Nantes on Saturday.
Johnny Sexton will not be taking a break and will lead the team as Ireland's captain and out-half.
Our team to face Tonga in Nantes! 🟢#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 14, 2023
Joining Hansen in Ireland's back three are Hugo Keenan and James Lowe, while the midfield partnership of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose remains unchanged.
In the forward pack, Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong join Kelleher in the front row, and Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan have been entrusted as Ireland's two locks.
Completing the side in theback-row is Peter O’Mahony, Van der Flier, and Caelan Doris.
On the bench, replacements David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Rob Herring, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, and Robbie Henshaw round out the 23.
Ireland's match against Tonga is scheduled to kick off at 8:00pm (9:00pm local time) on Saturday night. The game will be broadcast live on ITV (UK) and RTÉ (ROI).
Ireland team
Fullback 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger 14. Mack Hansen
Centres 13. Gary Ringrose 12.Bundee Aki
Winger 11. James Lowe
Out half 10. Johnny Sexton Scrum half 9. Conor Murray
Front row 1. Andrew Porter 2. Ronan Kelleher 3. Tadhg Furlong
Second row 4. Tadhg Beirne 5. James Ryan
Back row 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
