Mack Hansen – His try was certainly one for the highlight reels after leaving plenty of red jerseys in his wake. Really smart 50:22 too even if he’ll be disappointed not to gather cleanly for Porter’s non-try. 8
Garry Ringrose – Came away with two try assists to his name but fair to say he had a far greater hand in one than the other. Did particularly well in the build-up for Sexton’s red letter score. 7
Bundee Aki – With Tonga looking to line up Irish ball carriers and make the big hits, Aki found himself carrying into the jaws of the defence but proved the man for the job and rewarded with late tries. 9
James Lowe – .By his usual all-action standards, the Leinster wing had put plenty of boot to ball but was having a relatively quiet night before breaking the tackle of Havili on his way to the try line. 6
Johnny Sexton – For all the debate of whether he should or shouldn’t start, had a memorable night in becoming Ireland’s all-time top scorer and was removed at half-time with the game won. 8
Conor Murray – Tonga really targeted the Irish breakdown in an attempt to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm. Murray will have needed all his experience to keep things moving sharply, exemplified by his role in Sexton’s score. 8
Andrew Porter – Thought he was over for a try after a lengthy run but did have a big moment or two at the breakdown to make up for it. Only risked for a half with a big performance needed next week. 8
Ronan Kelleher – With all the concern over Dan Sheehan’s fitness in recent weeks, Kelleher offered a timely reminder of his own talents in his 40 minutes of action including a perfect showing at the line-out. 8
Tadhg Furlong – It goes without saying that the challenge posed by the Springboks at the set-piece will be a different one but Furlong will view this as good preparation even if Bealham’s injury meant too long a shift. 8
James Ryan – Provided a good early steal of a Tongan line-out to set the tone but the Leinsterman will have been most pleased with the vast improvement on Ireland’s own ball after well-documented line-out struggles. 7
Tadhg Beirne – Back in the second-row, he finished strongly for a try when, regardless of how the game finished, it felt like Ireland particularly needed one. Made more than his fair share of tackles too. 8
Peter O’Mahony – Looked thoroughly perplexed at being pinged for the penalty that gave Tonga their first points and even less impressed when shown a yellow on the cusp of half-time. Strong elsewhere. 7
Josh van der Flier – After losing the headgear in the heat of Bordeaux last week, the familiar sight of his red scrum cap all over the pitch was back. Covered plenty of ground with and without the ball. 7
Caelan Doris – Secured an early turnover that led to Ireland’s first points and ran a brilliant line for what, on their sixth visit to the ’22’, was the side’s opening try. Over himself before the first-half was out in a very prominent showing. 8
Dave Kilycoyne for Porter (40): More important minutes in the legs – 5; Rob Herring for Ronan Kelleher (40): – Thought he had one try, did get another – 6; Finlay Bealham for Furlong (40): Barely on before he was off again – 5; Ross Byrne for Sexton (40): Looked composed in World Cup debut – 6; Iain Henderson for Ryan (50): Ready for physical challenge – 6; Robbie Henshaw for Ringrose (50) – Good stint after missing last week – 6; Craig Casey for Murray (55): Played at tempo – 6; Ryan Baird for Doris (55): Contributed at set-piece – 6.
