Ireland braced for ‘big step up’ ahead of facing Tonga’s ‘serious threats’
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ireland’s coaching staff and players are braced for a “big step up” at the Rugby World Cup as they prepare to face the “serious threats” of Tonga in Nantes. “They’ve got some of the best open field runners in world rugby,” defence coach Simon Easterby said of Tonga. “It’s going to be a big step up from the challenge Romania threw at us. “We’re only looking at them, we’re only focusing on this week.” Following the scorching conditions of their Bordeaux curtain-raiser, where temperatures reached 36 degrees Celsius, Ireland trained in 30-degree heat on Friday afternoon at Stade de la Beaujoire.
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