National: Johnny Sexton makes history as Ireland blaze through Tonga

IRELAND have retained the top spot in Group B of the Rugby World Cup after blitzing through Tonga with a 59-16 win.

The bonus point try was scored by captain, Johnny Sexton, who made Irish rugby history after becoming the all time points scorers which saw Ireland put the nail in the coffin before the first-half whistle even sounded. 

It was Ireland's Aki, after scoring two tries, that got man of the match, showing how inform the Connacht mid-fielder is at the moment. 

Despite constant pressure at the break down from Tonga it was their ill discipline that led to an early chance at the posts for Sexton putting Ireland ahead by three points after five minutes. 

Opposite No.10 William Havili levelled the game ten minutes later after an incredible 50-meter penalty despite plenty of chances for Ireland to score the first try of the game.

The south pacific team made a nuisance of themselves with Ireland struggling to make the passes stick off the rucks. 

Finally after 20 minutes a reverse pass from Josh van der Flier into supporting Tadhg Beirne settled Ireland after missing try opportunities with Sexton adding the extra two points. 

Tonga's Havili showed his class throughout the opening half scoring another long rang penalty to put them 10-6 behind. 

The ever impressive line-out maul from Ireland saw Leinster's Caelan Doris go over the white wash for their second try and Sexton making no mistake with the conversion. 

Ireland roared on after their opening scores with an amazing try from Hansen through Ringrose's pass and after beating six Tongan defenders saw him putting them ahead 24-6 deep into the half. 

Sexton beat Ronan O'Gara's all time scoring record in style after making a fantastic inside line run to score Ireland's bonus point try on the stroke of half-time before Tonga enjoyed a large period of attacking pressure. 

After a number of penalties Munster's Peter O'Mahony was issued a yellow card before Tonga got over the line through Vaea Fifita after after 47 minutes in the first-half. 

Havili put the conversion strairght between the posts to leave Ireland 31-13 ahead at the break. 

It was Tonga that got on the score-board after half-time with another foot perfect penalty from the No.10 to add another three points.

After making a host of changes Ireland's Furlong assumed he would be spending the rest of the game on the bench instead of coming on again for Finlay Bealham. 

Another successful maul attack off a line-out in the corner saw James Lowe come off his wing to get Ireland's fifth try with Ross Byrne stretching out the lead. 

During the last quarter of the game, Ireland looked to have lost their pace but a short line from Bundee Aki saw him score a well deserved try with a Byrne conversion. 

As Tonga looked out on their feet, Aki went straight under the posts after a long period of possession to score his second try of the game to put Ireland well ahead. 

It was replacement hooker, Rob Herring who got Ireland's final score ending the match on a 59-16 scoreline. 

IRELAND: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (C), Conor Murray, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

REPLACEMENTS: Ross Byrne for Sexton (Half-Time), Dave Kilcoyne for Porter (Half-Time), Rob Herring for Kelleher (Half-Time), Finlay Bealham for Furlong (Half-Time), Iain Henderson for Ryan (49 minutes), Robbie Henshaw for Ringrose (49 minutes), Ryan Baird for Dorris (52 minutes), Craig Casey for Murray (55 minutes). 

TONGA: Salesi Piutau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Solomone Kata, William Havili, Augustine Pulu, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna (C), Sam Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Talitui, Vaea Fifita.

REPLACEMENTS: Sonatane Takulua for Pulu (Half-Time), Sam Moli for Ngauamo (49 minutes), Solomone Funaki for Halaifonua (51 minutes), Sosefo Apikotoa for Tameifuna (59 minutes), Sione Vailanu for Fifita (59 minutes), Tau Koloamatangi for Fis'ihoi (67 minutes), Fine Inisi for Kata (71 minutes). 

REFEREE: Wayne Barnes (England)