Ireland vs Tonga Predictions - Tonga can give Ireland a run for their money

My best bet is for Tonga to comfortably get within the 33-point handicap.

Ireland have beaten Tonga in both their previous matches, but neither was won by more than 21 points. However, they have not played since 2003.

Ireland are ranked world No.1 at the moment and their form has been outstanding over the last few years. They are also the 2023 Six Nations champions.

In their World Cup opener, Ireland annihilated Romania 82-8 as they ran in tries at will, particularly towards the end of the match. However, while they are comfortable favourites, Tonga will be a completely different prospect.

After fielding a near full-strength side against Romania, Ireland will want to rest some key players. One must remember that they play South Africa and Scotland in their next two games.

But Ireland only narrowly beat Samoa in a warm-up game at home just before the World Cup. That was also with an understrength side.

Ireland may look to rest all their key players with South Africa and Scotland to come. 

During the warm-up matches for the World Cup Tonga lost three of their five games. They lost to Fiji, Samoa and Japan, but then beat Canada twice at home in their final two games.

Not much can be read into all the warm-up games, but Tonga will be concerned with some performances. That said, the Tongans have a side with some big names, and they will want to be competitive against the Irish.

Tonga will field a full-strength side for their World Cup opener.