Ireland's Rugby World Cup Pool B opponents, Tonga, scored a cracking 27-21 win over Australia A early this morning, sending a message to their opponents in France this September.
Since World Rugby changed their eligibility rules - allowing players to switch countries if they have stood down from international rugby for three years - Tonga have been the ones taking the most advantage.
Their starting backline today epitomised this with Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa taking the field, having previously played for the All Blacks, while Israel Folau previously lined out for Australia.
Were Piutau and Folau still trying to line out for their former teams, they would be in contention for first-choice 23s, while Fekitoa, despite being a bit off All Blacks standard, had a strong end to last season with URC champions Munster.
There are also the likes of Toulouse's Ahki, who played for New Zealand U20s and 7s, and Ben Tameifuna who played for New Zealand U20s as well, although Tameifuna has been representing Tonga since 2017.
The ever growing strength of this Tongan side, which will continue to gel and hone their chemistry, adds even more strength to a ridiculously stacked Pool B that features Ireland, South Africa, and Scotland.
Will Tonga Pose A Problem For Ireland At The Rugby World Cup
How good to see @officialTongaRU beat the @wallabies A team today! Makes the Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and Romania group even tougher! Imagine Scotland coming 4th or 5th in that group @jimhamilton4! pic.twitter.com/hk8hYq8V79
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) July 14, 2023
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Charles Piutau, who spent a magnificent couple of at Ulster from 2016-2018, was particularly good yesterday, and this type of talent will mean that Ireland may be unable to rest as many players as they would like for that game.
Australia A out-half, Bernard Foley, was also full of praise for his opponents and their 'strike weapons' in the backline.
"We knew that they were going to be tough and we had a game plan to start well, score early and keep going until the last whistle.
"Tonga gave it to us from the start and they put us under pressure.
"We knew we came up against a real quality side and we knew they were going to be physical. They have some quality strike weapon in the backline, and we weren't able to stop them earlier on and they got a roll on and we paid for that.
"I understand what an incredible occasion it is for everyone as the opportunity made us hungry and motivated to try and make the World Cup squads."
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