Ireland braced for ‘big step up’ ahead of facing Tonga’s ‘serious threats’By Ed Elliot, PA, NantesIreland’s coaching staff and players are braced for a “big step up” at the Rugby World Cup as they prepare to face the “serious threats” of Tonga in Nantes. “It’s going to be a big step up from the challenge Romania threw at us. Full-back Hugo Keenan feels it is easy to concentrate game by game, despite the looming threat of the Springboks. “I know throughout the pool, there is tough games coming up but Tonga are a serious side, serious threats and individuals across the team. “Weight makes it heavy, it makes it hard, that’s the nature of it and it’s a big challenge from a big pack.

Source: Irish Independent September 15, 2023 19:22 UTC