Vaea Fifita crossed just before half-time to give Tonga hope in the aftermath of Peter O’Mahony’s yellow card, while William Havili contributed three penalties and a conversion. Sexton slotted an early penalty to increase the volume, but Havili landed a long-range reply to level before Ireland were frustrated to have an Andrew Porter try disallowed for a knock-on by Hansen. Lowe was clattered in his own 22 by opposing wing Solomone Kata, gifting Ireland a penalty at the other end of the field from which Doris powered over. Ireland changed their entire front row at the break, while wrapping Sexton in cotton wool. Herring sealed another statement Ireland win – a 15th in succession overall – ahead of two critical fixtures in the French capital, with Sexton’s replacement Ross Byrne landing all four of his conversion attempts.

Source: The Herald September 16, 2023 21:47 UTC