Ireland 59 Tonga 16: Johnny Sexton becomes all-time record Irish points scorer as Farrell’s men secure statement win
  • 7 months ago
JOHNNY SEXTON became Ireland’s record points scorer as the Grand Slam winners ran in eight tries against Tonga.

Sexton overtook Ronan O’Gara’s tally on a night when he racked up a try, a penalty, and four conversions in Nates.

It all added up to a bonus-point victory to set up next week’s showdown with holders South Africa in Paris.

Sexton said: “I don’t think it is about individual achievements this evening. It is about getting the next win and keep building in this tournament.

"It’s week-on-week in a World Cup and you have got to produce it week after week.

“It’s always nice to score a try, I don’t get it too often. It’s a lovely personal milestone but I’d much rather have a victory.

“We’ll move on and we’ll concentrate now on a massive game next week. Playing against the world champions is going to be special.”

Andy Farrell’s side celebrated early tries from Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris, and Mack Hansen.

And when Sexton added a fourth it meant the skipper, 38, was now a record-breaker.

Vaea Fifita touched down for Tonga before half-time but James Lowe and Rob Herring scored for Ireland either side of Bundee Aki’s brace.

Centre Aki said: "I know we got the points that we wanted but we’ll go away and we’re still not happy with how we performed.

“Next week is going to be an even bigger test for us but we will go out there and give it our best.”
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