Ireland vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cupresult and reaction as Johnny Sexton breaks points scoring record

Ireland earned a second conescutive victory of the 2023 Rugby World Cup when they dispatched Tonga in Nantes on Saturday night. Andy Farrell’s men scored eight tries in total as they racked up over 50 points in a match for the second game in a row continuing to justfy why they are one of the favourites to win this tournament.

After a frustrating start to the game in which both teams exchanged penalty kicks, Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne went over the line to unlock his teams attacking quality and they added another three tries to secure a bonus point before the break. The most influential being Johnny Sexton’s as the 38-year-old broke Ronan O’Gara’s record to become the new all-time leading Irish points scorer.

Tonga responded with a try of their own right on the brink of half-time but they couldn’t muster a fight back in the second half. The Irish replacements contined the dominance and Rob Herring’s last minute try put the icing on the cake of another superb victory.

Relive all the action from the Stade de la Beaujoire below.

Ireland vs Tonga live updates

• Johnny Sexton breaks Ireland points record during impressive victory over Tonga

• Ireland hammer Tonga in a Pool B match at the Stade de la Beaujoire

• TRY! Ireland 59-16 Tonga, (Rob Herring, 80 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 52-16 Tonga, (Bundee Aki, 69 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 45-16 Tonga, (Bundee Aki, 63 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 38-16 Tonga, (James Lowe, 58 minutes)

• PENALTY! Ireland 31-16 Tonga (William Havili, 43 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 31-13 Tonga, (Vaea Fifita, 48 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 31-6 Tonga, (Johnny Sexton, 38 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 24-6 Tonga, (Mack Hansen, 33 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 17-6 Tonga, (Caelan Doris, 27 minutes)

• PENALTY! Ireland 10-6 Tonga, (William Havili, 24 minutes)

• TRY! Ireland 10-3 Tonga (Tadhg Beirne, 21 minutes)

• PENALTY! Ireland 3-3 Tonga, (William Havili, 16 minutes)

• PENALTY! Ireland 3-0 Tonga (Johnny Sexton, 7 minutes)

Johnny Sexton breaks Ireland points record during impressive victory over Tonga

22:34 , Mike Jones

Johnny Sexton smashed Ireland’s individual points record as his side edged closer to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a crushing 59-16 bonus-point victory over Tonga in Nantes.

The influential fly-half surpassed Ronan O’Gara’s all-time tally of 1,083 in style with the fourth of his side’s eight tries on a balmy evening at Stade de la Beaujoire.

Captain Sexton also kicked a penalty and four conversions en route to moving on to a career total of 1,090 before being withdrawn from a bruising Pool B encounter at half-time ahead of next week’s crucial clash with South Africa.

Johnny Sexton breaks Ireland points record during impressive victory over Tonga

FT Ireland 59-16 Tonga

22:30 , Mike Jones

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, speaking to ITV:

“We’re delighted to get five points against a very good team. That’s what tonight was about and that was the main objective. We did it, we’ll move on and we’ll concentrate now on a massive game next week. Playing against the world champions is going to be really special.

On becoming Ireland’s record try scorer: “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 a victory.”

FT Ireland 59-16 Tonga

22:24 , Mike Jones

Ireland centre, Bundee Aki speaking to RTE: “Full credit to the boys and full respect to Tonga. They came out firing and we knew it was going to be a physical match. Much respect to them, hopefully they go out over the next couple of weeks and leave everything out there.

“I think there are a lot of things we can work on. We weren’t as clinical as we wanted to be. There were a lot of dumb penalties, you could say. 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.”

FT Ireland 59-16 Tonga

22:17 , Mike Jones

Andy Farrell will know there are bigger challenges to come but he must be thrilled with how clinical and professional his side have been in their opening games.

Two games played, two wins secured, twice scored over 50 points in a game. Ireland look like one of the better teams in this World Cup.

Full-time! Ireland 59-16 Tonga

22:06 , Mike Jones

Ireland have put on another fantastic performance in the Rugby World Cup to sweep Tonga aside with relative ease.

They were frustrated by the Pacific Islanders in the early stages of the first half but continued to go through the gears and came out on top with the added plus of a bonus point.

Andy Farrell’s men top Pool B.

TRY! Ireland 59-16 Tonga, (Rob Herring, 80 minutes)

22:04 , Mike Jones

Rob Herring puts the icing on the cake for Ireland with a forceful drive from a lineout. He scores after having a try chalked off earlier in the match.

Ross Byrne sticks the conversion in between the uprights and ends the game.

Ireland 52-16 Tonga, 76 minutes

22:01 , Mike Jones

Tonga are still pushing forward but Ireland’s steadfast defence is a daunting thing to run into. Pita Ahki floats a poor kick over the top as sees Hugo Keenan collect it in play for Ireland.

His return kick is a belter and William Havili is forced out of meaning leaving Ireland with fine territory near the Tongan try line.

Ireland 52-16 Tonga, 72 minutes

21:55 , Mike Jones

Into the last 10 minutes now and the game is done. Ireland are moving to the top of Pool B with two matches in a row where they’ve scored over 50 points.

They’ve got more difficult tests ahead in South Africa and Scotland but they couldn’t be in better form ahead of these clashes.

TRY! Ireland 52-16 Tonga, (Bundee Aki, 69 minutes)

21:52 , Mike Jones

Ireland are piling on the points as Tonga’s energy levels begin to dip and drop. A few powerful drives from close range, get the Tonga line to contract allowing Josh van der Flier to link up with Craig Casey.

Casey takes a hit abd passes the ball to Bundee Aki who bombs under the stick for his second try.

TRY! Ireland 45-16 Tonga, (Bundee Aki, 63 minutes)

21:46 , Mike Jones

A strong Irish scrum brings them another penalty that Ross Byrne decides to kick for territory. From the lineout the ball is released out of the maul to James Lowe who passes it over to Byrne.

He holds it long enough to draw a tackle then flicks it to Bundee Aki. Aki has space to storm into and does so with ease before crossing the line.

Another seven points for Ireland.

TRY! Ireland 38-16 Tonga, (James Lowe, 58 minutes)

21:39 , Mike Jones

There it is! Ireland have been hammering on the door for the duration of the second half and it’s James Lowe who forces his way over the line for Andy Farrell’s men.

Tonga’s defence is finally broken and Ireland are on their way again. Ross Byrne takes the conversion kick and pumps it over the sticks.

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 55 minutes

21:36 , Mike Jones

Tonga’s defence holds firm as Ireland whizz the ball along the line from right to left and back again. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi brings down the latest attacker then smothers the ball and wins his team a penalty as it isn’t released.

The pressure eases on Tonga.

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 52 minutes

21:31 , Mike Jones

No try! Ireland get their first points of the second half. Rob Herring is given the ball and drives at the line. He’s brought down but seemingly shuffles himself over the line.

The try is initially awarded but the video referee looks at the incident and the officials see that Herring moved after being tackled so the try is ruled out.

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 51 minutes

21:27 , Mike Jones

Ireland continue to play aggressively. They win a penalty and boot it into the corner. A quick lineout sees them shuffle the ball down the line but a fumble scuppers the momentum.

Tonga can’t force them back though and there’ll be a few driving runs at the line now.

Ireland 31-16 Tonga, 47 minutes

21:23 , Mike Jones

Conor Murray pulls the ball out of the ruck and dinks a little kick in behind the Tongan line. Garry Ringrose comes flying through on the angle as the ball bobbles into the try zone but he can’t collect it and misses out on a World Cup try!

Ringrose bangs his hand into the turf in frustration. That was a huge chance but the bounce of the ball was unkind for him.

PENALTY! Ireland 31-16 Tonga (William Havili, 43 minutes)

21:19 , Mike Jones

The first points of the second half go to Tonga after a simple penalty kick is booted over by William Havili. Ireland need to cut out the errors or else Tonga will continue to close the gap on them.

Second half! Ireland 31-13 Tonga

21:18 , Mike Jones

Ireland get the match back underway in Nantes. They’ll be hoping to increase their lead over the Pacific Islanders to easily close out this game.

HT Ireland 31-13 Tonga

21:10 , Mike Jones

Johnny Sexton passes Ronan O’Gara as all-time leading Irish points scorer

21:07 , Mike Jones

Johnny Sexton has passed Ronan O’Gara to become Ireland’s all-time leading points scorer in international rugby.

The 38-year-old fly half went past his predecessor in the Irish number ten shirt during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup game against Tonga in Nantes.

Sexton began the game nine points short of O’Gara’s tally of 1,083.

Having opened the scoring with a penalty, Sexton converted Tadhg Beirne’s try before adding two more from the tee after Caelan Doris was the beneficiary of a powerful maul.

Johnny Sexton passes Ronan O’Gara as all-time leading Irish points scorer

Half-time! Ireland 31-13 Tonga

21:01 , Mike Jones

That added time try with give Tonga a bit of hope that they can get themselves back into the match. A quick try after the break for them will be a big deal.

There’s lots left to do in this one yet.

TRY! Ireland 31-13 Tonga, (Vaea Fifita, 48 minutes)

21:00 , Mike Jones

A scrum reset is the break that Tonga need as the ball comes out to Vaea Fifita. He blitzes in between Johnny Sexton and Caelan Doris and grounds the ball over the line.

Tonga have their first try.

Ireland 31-6 Tonga, 44 minutes

20:58 , Mike Jones

There’s plenty of added time here as Tonga are determined to get over for a try. Ireland are a man down but four penalties in a row keep Tonga’s hopes alive as the ball remains in play.

Ireland’s defence is holding firm for now.

TRY! Ireland 31-6 Tonga, (Johnny Sexton, 38 minutes)

20:52 , Mike Jones

Johnny Sexton breaks Ronan O’Gara’s record as Ireland’s highest points scorer! He breaks the Tonga line and sprints under the sticks to score their fourth try of the first half.

He then converts to add to his tally and Ireland have already secured their bonus point.

Ireland 24-6 Tonga, 36 minutes

20:49 , Mike Jones

Space opens up in front of a maul for Ronan Kelleher who drives towards the line. It looks as though he’s grounded the ball but the referee is well positioned and sees that Tonga managed to hold him up at the last moment.

TRY! Ireland 24-6 Tonga, (Mack Hansen, 33 minutes)

20:44 , Mike Jones

Wonderful run from Mack Hansen. Ireland keep the ball close in the middle of their line and draw in the Tonga defenders. A flurry of passes send the ball out to Hansen on the wing but he still has plenty of work to do.

He cuts inside of three defenders taking them out of the equation before shimming past a fourth and diving for the line to give Ireland a third try of the night.

Sexton converts.

TRY! Ireland 17-6 Tonga, (Caelan Doris, 27 minutes)

20:41 , Mike Jones

Ireland win themselves a lineout deep in Tonga’s half and decide that a driving maul is the best method of attack. They’re right as the ball is passed back to Caelan Doris who sticks to the back of the drive before lunging for the line.

Johnny Sexton pumps over the conversion. Ireland are starting to tick now.

PENALTY! Ireland 10-6 Tonga, (William Havili, 24 minutes)

20:35 , Mike Jones

That is very impressive.

Tonga respond immediately by winning a penalty out wide on the right wing. They decide to kick for goal again but William Havili is miles away with a tight angle to hit.

That doesn’t faze the fly-half who whips the ball through the middle of the posts to keep Tonga within touching distance of Ireland.

TRY! Ireland 10-3 Tonga (Tadhg Beirne, 21 minutes)

20:31 , Mike Jones

From the ruck the ball comes out to Johnny Sexton who pings the ball back inside for Caelan Doris to burst through the Tonga line. He offloads the ball to Tadhg Beirne who blazes up the pitch and dives into the try zone.

Sexton boots over for the conversion and Ireland are ahead once more.

Ireland 3-3 Tonga, 18 minutes

20:26 , Mike Jones

No try! Ireland thought they were in. A kick is up the pitch is spilled by the Tonga full-back before Mack Hansen scoops up the ball. He doesn’t collect it cleanly though and knocks on himself before continuing the move.

The Irish work it over to the right and score but their joy is shortlived as Hansen’s knock on is flagged immediately. Scrum to Ireland for Tonga’s initial knock on.

PENALTY! Ireland 3-3 Tonga, (William Havili, 16 minutes)

20:23 , Mike Jones

Tonga are going to kick for goal from a long, long way out to try and draw this match level. Fly-half, William Havili, is the chosen kicker and he bombs it right between the sticks.

Wonderful kick. There’s a game on now in Nantes.

Ireland 3-0 Tonga, 13 minutes

20:19 , Mike Jones

Ireland work their way over to the left side of the pitch and give the ball to Johnny Sexton. He releases the ball to James Lowe on the left wing but he’s stopped in his tracks.

There aren’t enough Irish bodies around to get into the ruck and Tonga take control of the ball before winning themselves another penalty.

Ireland 3-0 Tonga, 9 minutes

20:13 , Mike Jones

A solid run from Salesi Piutau sees him stopped in his track by James Ryan who hits him with a wrapping tackle around the waist. Tonga put the ball out of play but recover it quickly and target the Irish 22 with a booming kick down the field.

It doesn’t quite reach the line before heading into touch.

PENALTY! Ireland 3-0 Tonga (Johnny Sexton, 7 minutes)

20:10 , Mike Jones

Ireland wisely elect to kick from the penalty and Johnny Sexton steps up to the ball. He’s tight on the kick clock but smokes it down the middle.

Tonga are asking whether he went over time but the referee calmly explains that he didn’t as a hooter would have sounded. Ireland move into the lead.

Ireland 0-0 Tonga, 4 minutes

20:08 , Mike Jones

Tadhg Beirne wins the lineout but Tonga recover possession in the following ruck and look to move it wide. A forward pass stops them in their tracks.

Ireland then push up the pitch and win a penalty.

Kick off! Ireland 0-0 Tonga

20:04 , Mike Jones

Tonga, playing their first match of the 2023 World Cup, kick off the game and chase after the ball making their forward line known to Ireland immediately with a couple of heavy hits.

Ireland vs Tonga

19:57 , Mike Jones

The national anthems are played just ahead of kick off in Nantes. Tonga will be stubborn opponents but they’re coming up against the No. 1 side in the world and Ireland have named a strong line-up.

This won’t be an easy task for the Pacific Islanders.

Ireland vs Tonga

19:53 , Mike Jones

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV: “The game is important to us. It is a completely different type of game compared to last week.

“We’re respecting the opposition because of the quality that is there, as a collective and individuals and coaching staff.

“We know they are a big side, not just big but a physical side who can play the game,. They have a very good set piece and good maul. They want to hit in defence so we need to move them about a bit.”

Ireland vs Tonga line-ups

19:48 , Mike Jones

Ireland XV: 15-Hugo Keenan, 14-Mack Hansen, 13-Garry Ringrose, 12-Bundee Aki, 11-James Lowe, 10-Johnny Sexton, 9-Conor Murray, 1-Andrew Porter, 2-Ronan Kelleher, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Tadhg Beirne, 5-James Ryan, 6-Peter O’Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-Caelan Doris

Replacements: 16-Rob Herring, 17-David Kilcoyne, 18-Finlay Bealham, 19-Iain Henderson, 20-Ryan Baird, 21-Craig Casey, 22-Ross Byrne, 23-Robbie Henshaw

Tonga XV: 15-Salesi Piutau, 14-Afusipa Taumoepeau, 13-Malakai Fekitoa, 12-Pita Ahki, 11-Solomone Kata, 10-William Havili, 9-Augustine Pulu,1-Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2-Paula Ngauamo, 3-Ben Tameifuna, 4-Sam Lousi, 5-Halaleva Fifita, 6-Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7-Sione Talitui, 8-Vaea Fifita.

Replacements: 16-Sam Moli, 17-Tau Koloamatangi, 18-Sosefo Apikotoa, 19-Semisi Paea, 20-Solomone Funaki, 21-Sione Vailanu, 22-Sonatane Takulua, 23-Fine Inisi

Ireland vs Tonga team news

19:42 , Mike Jones

Andy Farrell makes just four changes to the XV that defeated Romania last time out. Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan is back in training after picking up a foot injury in the build-up to the World Cup along with Dave Kilcoyne and Robbie Henshaw who both had respective hamstring concerns. Jack Conan remains out with a foot issue.

Tonga have bolstered their side with former All Blacks such as Charles Piutau, Vaea Fifita, George Moala and Malakai Fekitoa converting their allegiance thanks to World Rugby’s new eligibility laws. They are without injured duo Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu for the duration of the tournament while George Moala is suspended for the first three games after a dangerous tip-tackle in the warm-up match versus Canada.

Ireland vs Tonga talking points

19:36 , Mike Jones

The heat is on

Ireland will welcome a significant reduction in temperature following the scorching conditions endured at Stade de Bordeaux.

Farrell’s players defied heat of 36 degrees Celsius to run in 12 tries against Romania, while it was again uncomfortably warm on Friday afternoon when they trained at Stade de la Beaujoire.

The forecast for Saturday’s 9pm kick-off local time is a more manageable 22 degrees, with light winds, clear skies and a low chance of precipitation following possible thundery showers earlier in the day.

That said, humidity is expected to be high and will add to the intensity as Ireland once again bid to deliver under pressure.

Ireland vs Tonga talking points

19:29 , Mike Jones

Tough start for Tonga

Tonga have been drawn in the tournament’s trickiest pool, with the world’s top-ranked nation up first. Toutai Kefu’s side, who had a weekend off in round one, are well aware of their underdog status.

“We’re not delusional to the challenge we face,” said assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal. Yet the ranks of the Pacific islanders have been significantly bolstered thanks to a change of international eligibility rules.

Former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa, a World Cup winner in 2015, Charles Piutau, Augustine Pulu and Vaea Fifita are among their starting XV.

Bleyendaal anticipates a physical encounter. “We’re here to really fire some shots,” said the former Munster player.

Ireland vs Tonga talking points

19:22 , Mike Jones

Avoiding deja vu

Ireland require little reminder of the risks of underestimating weaker opposition at the World Cup. With influential fly-half Sexton rested, they were stunned by hosts Japan under Joe Schmidt in 2019, which ultimately led to a quarter-final exit at the hands of New Zealand.

Farrell was assistant to Schmidt back then. But he insists the upset in Shizuoka has not influenced his strong selection.

Ireland only need to look back to Thursday evening, when a second-string France side survived a major scare against Uruguay, for further evidence of the dangers posed by emerging nations.

Ireland vs Tonga talking points

19:15 , Mike Jones

Sexton seeking more history

Johnny Sexton returned with a bang in Bordeaux. His first competitive outing in almost six months following injury and suspension included two tries as part of a 24-point haul.

The impressive return propelled him above Ronan O’Gara as Ireland’s leading World Cup points scorer (102) on the day he became his country’s oldest international.

Further history beckons for the 38-year-old in Nantes. He needs just 10 more points to surpass O’Gara as Ireland’s outright record points scorer.

Captain Sexton, who will retire after the tournament, is not contemplating personal glory. “It will be a very special moment individually but no-one else will really care,” he said.

Ireland vs Tonga talking points

19:08 , Mike Jones

Strong selection

With the formidable Springboks looming large, there were suggestions head coach Andy Farrell may make sweeping changes to his starting line-up.

But the Englishman has resisted temptation and gone almost full strength. Only sidelined hooker Dan Sheehan and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park are missing from arguably his preferred XV.

Farrell made clear he wishes to prioritise the immediate challenge rather than become preoccupied by potential injury setbacks and the forthcoming threat of the reigning world champions. Some fans and pundits disagree with that logic.

Only time will tell if it is the correct call.

Portugal thrill to give Wales a scare and show why rugby must broaden the borders

19:02 , Mike Jones

Minnows no more. If there is one thing that is abundantly clear about this Rugby World Cup, it is that the less established nations are here to play. For much of this encounter Portugal bounced around the Stade de Nice like free electrons, all energy, ideas and attacking ambition. It took until 83 minutes had elapsed for Taulupe Faletau to force his way through for a bonus point score as Wales just about escaped with a full five points.

After Uruguay gave France an almighty fright in Lille on Thursday night, Portugal here did likewise to a much-changed Welsh side. Gone most certainly, are the days of smaller nations turning up hoping to avoid a cricket score, of misjudged howls about player safety and of five points being pre-written in. Uruguay, Chile and Portugal, to name just three, may lack the up-front muscle to match their opponents, but have a clutch of backline dancers each that have relished the chance to strut their stuff across these opening days of the most competitive World Cup yet.

It must be noted, too, that so many of these nations are developing despite sometimes erratic schedules, and with limited opportunities, if any at all, against the world’s top ten. How World Rugby must now provide these more consistently to support and sustain a sport that needs to broaden its borders. A proposed global league is on the way but that would lock the have nots out - the breadth and depth of talent readily apparent in this opening week needs to be better celebrated.

Portugal thrill to give Wales a scare and show why rugby must broaden the borders

Ireland vs Tonga

18:54 , Mike Jones

The report for Wales’ victory over Portugal is on it’s way as is more reaction but we’re also going to build-up to Ireland’s clash with Tonga that kicks off at 8pm.

Full-time! Wales 28-8 Portugal

18:45 , Mike Jones

Word has come through that Vincent Pinto’s yellow card has been upgraded to a red for dangerous play. He did catch Josh Adams right on the top of his left eye so it wasn’t safe.

He’s going to be a big miss for Portugal going forward. Wales will be happy though they managed to get the job done and secure a bonus point.

TRY! Wales 28-8 Portugal (Taulupe Faletau, 83 minutes)

18:42 , Mike Jones

Wales’ final chance for a bonus comes after a late penalty from Portugal. They feed it into a scrum and work the ball across to Taulupe Faletau who forces himself over the line!

Wales have their bonus point!

Wales 21-8 Portugal

18:36 , Mike Jones

Vincent Pinto is sent to the sin bin! He leaps up to catch an aerial ball and as he drops his right leg trails behind and catches Josh Adams on the forehead.

The officials see that as a yellow card offence and it’s been referred to the TMO bunker. There’s not enough time left in the match to see if Pinto’s ‘kick’ will be upgraded to a red.

That decision will come after the final whistle.

NO TRY! Wales 21-8 Portugal, 76 minutes

18:33 , Mike Jones

The try and conversion have been ruled out for an obstruction in the build-up as Rees Zammit collected the ball. That also means Wales don’t have a bonus point for scoring a fourth try.

There’s still four minutes or so for them to get one.

TRY! Wales 28-8 Portugal (Gareth Davies, 75 minutes)

18:32 , Mike Jones

Wales drop the ball in the middle of the pitch but Louis Rees Zammit is the first to react. He scoops it up and drives throught the gap before sprinting towards the posts.

Just as he’s about to get tackled, Rees Zammit offloads and Gareth Davies dives over the line. Leigh Halfpenny then converts but the officials aren’t happy.

They’re taking another look at this.

Wales 21-8 Portugal, 73 minutes

18:30 , Mike Jones

Mason Grady takes out a man without the ball and Portugal’s penalty results in them pinging the ball into Wales’ half. The chance of a bonus point is slipping away from Wales as Portugal target another try of their own.

Wales 21-8 Portugal, 70 minutes

18:27 , Mike Jones

Wales are starting to relax.

There’s 10 minutes or so left in the game and they’re pushing on for a bonus point. Portugal don’t seem like they’ll be able to close the gap so Warren Gatland’s side will give it their all in the final few minutes.

Wales 21-8 Portugal, 66 minutes

18:20 , Mike Jones

Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de Nice:

"A huge roar as Nicolas Martins crossed in the corner, a nifty lineout move beautifully executed. Mike Tadjer, 34 and making a World Cup debut after 12 years of representing the country of his father, celebrated with a mighty, mighty punch of the air"

TRY! Wales 21-8 Portugal, (Nicolas Martins, 63 minutes)

18:19 , Mike Jones

Incredible try from Portugal!

The lineout is caught at the peak of the lift before the ball is immediately offloaded to Nicolas Martins. Wales are asleep and Martins nips through the gap at the front of the lineout before diving over the line.

The conversion is missed but Portugal celebrate that fantastic move and rightly so.

Wales 21-3 Portugal, 61 minutes

18:15 , Mike Jones

Portugal look fluid with the ball in hand and that is exemplified by replacement Raffaele Storti. He twists and weaves out of a couple of tackles before getting brough down 10 metres or so away from the Welsh try line.

A knock on and an offside award Portugal a penalty and they decide to run it. They want a try.

TRY! Wales 21-3 Portugal (Jac Morgan, 56 minutes)

18:10 , Mike Jones

This try is very similar to Wales’ second one. They inch closer and closer to the line before Jac Morgan drives over and Leigh Halfpenny completes the conversion.

The sting is eking away from Portugal who have a big mountain to climb now.

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 53 minutes

18:08 , Mike Jones

Portugal have been given an all round warning, first for collapsing the scrum and then for not allowing Williams to release the ball. They’re under pressure from Wales who are determined to get a third try with this attack.

From the next scrum, Wales run left with Tomos Williams carrying the ball. He looks for the offload but isbrough down before he can pass.

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 53 minutes

18:06 , Mike Jones

Wales try to get the ball on the outside after flinging the ball over to Johnny Williams. He’s brought down illegally and Portugal have to deal with a Welsh scrum right near their own try line.

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 50 minutes

18:01 , Mike Jones

Wales need to play smart. They need to keep hold of the ball, wear Portugal down and slowly force their way up the pitch. Instead the game is very open with mistakes happening on both sides.

Portugal win a penalty but Samuel Marques pushes it too wide and the lead remains 11 points.

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 44 minutes

17:56 , Mike Jones

Gareth Anscombe boots the ball into touch for a lineout after Wales in a penalty in a decent position. Nicolas Martins intercepts the ball in the lineout though and boot it away to ease a bit of the pressure.

They recover the ball and Wales have wasted a decent opportunity to press their advantage.

Second half! Wales 14-3 Portugal

17:51 , Mike Jones

Dewi Lake’s side get the second half started in Nice. Neither head coach has made any changes at the break so everything is as we were.

Can Wales dominate or will Portugal fight back over the next 40 minutes?

HT Wales 14-3 Portugal

17:49 , Mike Jones

Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de Nice

17:42 , Mike Jones

"A superb 40 minutes of rugby. Portugal's attacking ambition has been increasingly married with an intelligent kicking game, and they will probably feel a little unfortunate to go in 11 points down.

“The concession of that Dewi Lake try will frustrate them, though - the Wales captain bundled between the bodies a little bit too easily."