Ireland continued their winning start to the World Cup with a bonus-point victory over Tonga on a landmark night for Johnny Sexton in Nantes.
The Six Nations Grand Slam winners moved clear with early tries from Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris and Mack Hansen.
Vaea Fifita scored for Tonga before half-time but James Lowe, Bundee Aki – with two – and Rob Herring capped another resounding Ireland win.
While the Irish encountered more headaches here than they did in their 12-try destruction of Romania, Andy Farrell will be pleased that his side moved on to 10 points before next week’s eagerly anticipated encounter with holders South Africa in Paris.
Crucially, the world’s number one-ranked team again appeared to avoid injuries to key players with Farrell even afforded the luxury of ending Sexton’s night at half-time after the out-half’s record-breaking contribution.
Tonga, who did not play last week, will look to bounce back when they take on Scotland in Nice on Sunday week.
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