Rugby World Cup 2023: Johnny Sexton Starting Spot as Ireland Implements 4 Changes for Tonga game

Posted by Eticketing.co on September 15th, 2023

Ireland is set to face Tonga in Nantes this Saturday. Followed by matches against South Africa on September 23 and Scotland on October 7. Andy Farrell's team kicked off their campaign with a resounding 82-8 victory over Romania last weekend. In the upcoming Rugby World Cup clash against Tonga, Ireland's captain Johnny Sexton will continue to lead the team, with head coach Andy Farrell implementing four changes to the lineup.

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These changes reflect Ireland's ongoing strategy to rotate players and maintain squad freshness. They prepare for tougher challenges ahead. The coaching staff aims to ensure that the entire squad remains sharp and ready for the crucial encounters against South Africa and Scotland in the coming weeks. Mack Hansen's inclusion in the starting lineup is a testament to his form and fitness.

His performance in the previous match likely played a role in his selection for this game. Andy Farrell has opted for a strong team, led by captain Johnny Sexton. As they prepare for their upcoming clash with South Africa. They are not taking their upcoming match against Tonga lightly.

With a commanding victory over Romania in their opening game. They are looking to maintain their winning form and continue their journey in the tournament. The inclusion of Mack Hansen and other changes in the lineup demonstrates their commitment to fielding a competitive team for this crucial match before facing the defending champions, South Africa.

In the upcoming Rugby World Cup clash against Tonga Mack Hansen's inclusion

Mack Hansen's inclusion among the replacements for the upcoming match against Tonga was a last-minute decision due to Robbie Henshaw's withdrawal from the squad just before the previous game. Henshaw had a minor hamstring issue. But he appears to have recovered and is now named on the bench alongside players like Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, and Ross Byrne. Who are all set to make their tournament debut.

Hooker Dan Sheehan is making progress in his recovery from a foot injury sustained during a warm-up match against England last month but is not yet available for selection. As a result, Ronan Kelleher will continue in the starting lineup, with Rob Herring providing backup in the hooker position. Additionally, there are changes in the squad such as scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and lock Joe McCarthy.

Both of whom scored against Romania, are omitted from the matchday squad. Winger Keith Earls is also not included in this fixture. In the backline, winger Mack Hansen and scrum-half Conor Murray have been included in the starting lineup. Replacing Keith Earls and Jamison Gibson-Park, respectively. The forward pack sees openside flanker Josh van der Flier coming into the side in place of Joe McCarthy.

These changes are part of a reshuffle in the pack. This strong Irish team, led by captain Johnny Sexton, will face Tonga at Stade de La Beaujoire just one week before. Their highly anticipated clash against defending champions South Africa. Ireland, the top-ranked team in the world, is aiming to extend their record-winning streak to 15 matches as they continue their quest for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Their journey in the RWC 2023

They are gearing up for crucial matches against South Africa and Scotland in Paris, making. Their upcoming clash with Tonga is an important step in their France RWC campaign. In this match, Ronan Kelleher will start as the hooker, flanked by first-choice props Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong. This marks Kelleher's second Test start since the 2022 Guinness Six Nations. Underlining the team's depth and versatility in the forward pack.

Head coach Andy Farrell has made several changes to the starting lineup for this match. Winger Mack Hansen and scrum-half Conor Murray were included in the backline. Replacing Keith Earls and Jamison Gibson-Park, respectively. Among the forwards, Josh van der Flier takes over as the openside flanker. While Ronan Kelleher starts as the hooker.

Ireland's captain, Johnny Sexton, will lead the team. They will be looking to build on their impressive 82-8 victory over Romania in their previous match. The squad remains focused on their journey in the Rugby World Cup, with key matches against South Africa and Scotland on the horizon. Ireland has made several changes to their starting lineup for this upcoming match. For more about France Rugby World Cup Tickets.

Mack Hansen, the winger, and Conor Murray, the scrum-half, have been included in the backline. Josh van der Flier takes over as the openside flanker, and Ronan Kelleher starts as the hooker. Tadhg Beirne will be partnering with James Ryan in the second row. Peter O'Mahony moves to the number six shirt. While Caelan Doris continues at number eight. Conor Murray resumes his partnership with Johnny Sexton. Bringing their experience to the team.

Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose

These changes reflect Ireland's strategy and selection as they aim for success in the Rugby World Cup. Dan Sheehan, who had been dealing with a foot issue, is still not available for selection. Rob Herring will serve as backup for Ronan Kelleher in the hooker position. Jamison Gibson-Park and Joe McCarthy, who were part of the team that faced Romania, are not in the starting lineup for this match.

Keith Earls, who played in the previous game, is not included in the starting XV. These changes aim to provide fresh energy and adaptability to the Irish squad as they face Tonga and prepare for their crucial matches against South Africa and Scotland. In preparation for their upcoming matches against South Africa and Scotland, Ireland is sticking with a strong starting lineup against Tonga.

Johnny Sexton, fresh from his return to international rugby with a standout performance, continues as the captain and will be instrumental in guiding the team. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose maintain their partnership in the midfield, offering stability and experience. Mack Hansen, who made an impact off the bench, gets a chance to start on the wing alongside James Lowe and Hugo Keenan in the back three. To read more about The Warren Gatland Effect: Transforming Wales at the Rugby World Cup 2023.

Crucial Fixtures In The Upcoming Tournament

The forward pack sees a few changes with Ronan Kelleher taking over at hooker, providing a dynamic presence in the front row alongside Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong. Tadhg Beirne shifts to the second row to partner James Ryan, while Peter O'Mahony moves to the blindside flank, and Josh van der Flier comes in as openside flanker. Caelan Doris retains his place at number eight.

The replacements include a mix of experienced players like Robbie Henshaw and Iain Henderson, as well as promising talents like Craig Casey and Ryan Baird, giving Ireland depth and flexibility for this match. on maintaining their winning streak and building momentum. They approach crucial fixtures in the Rugby World Cup.

Ireland Starting XV:

15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose. 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 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.

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