Scotland will take on Tonga in the Rugby World Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 17:45 local time (11:45 AM ET) at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France.
Scotland are ranked fifth in the world, while Tonga are ranked fifteenth. However, Tonga are a dangerous side, and they have the potential to upset Scotland if they are not careful.
How to watch on TV
The Scotland vs Tonga match will be broadcast live on the following channels around the world:
- USA: NBC
- UK: ITV, S4C
- Australia: Stan Sport
- South Africa: SUPERSPORT, SABC Sport
- Ireland: RTE, VIRGIN
- Tonga: DIGICEL TV, Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC)
For more TV listings, please visit the Rugby World Cup website.
How to watch online
The Scotland vs Tonga match will be streamed live on the following platforms around the world:
- United States: FuboTV, SlingTV, Peacock, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
- United Kingdom: ITVX
- Japan: DAZAN
- Selected matches: RUGBYPASS TV
For more TV streaming service listings, please visit the Rugby World Cup website.
TEAMS
SCOTLAND Blair Kinghorn; Kyle Steyn, Chris Harris, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ben White; Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Richie Gray, Scott Cummings; Jamie Ritchie (captain), Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel, Sam Skinner, Matt Fagerson, George Horne, Huw Jones, Darcy Graham
TONGA Salesi Piutau; Solomone Kata, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Afusipa Taumoepeau; William Havili, Augustine Pulu; Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna (captain); Halaleva Fifita, Sam Lousi; Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Talitui, Vaea Fifita
Replacements: 16 Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Semisi Paea, Sione Vailanu, Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini
What to expect from the match
Scotland will be the favorites to win this match, but they will need to be wary of Tonga’s physicality and attacking flair. Tonga have a number of dangerous players, including winger Semi Radradra and fullback Malakai Fekitoa.
Scotland will be looking to their star players, such as Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg, and Gregor Townsend, to lead them to victory.
Scotland’s key players
- Finn Russell: Russell is one of the most talented fly-halves in the world. He has a great vision for the game and is a skilled playmaker.
- Stuart Hogg: Hogg is a world-class fullback. He is a brilliant attacking player and is also a solid defender.
- Gregor Townsend: Townsend is a Scotland legend. He is now the head coach of the team and is looking to lead them to their first Rugby World Cup title.
Tonga’s key players
- Semi Radradra: Radradra is one of the most exciting wingers in the world. He is a powerful runner and is also a good finisher.
- Malakai Fekitoa: Fekitoa is a talented fullback. He is a good attacker and is also a solid defender.
- Sonatane Takulua: Takulua is a powerful number eight. He is a good ball carrier and is also a good tackler.
Prediction
Scotland are the favorites to win this match, but they will need to be wary of Tonga’s physicality and attacking flair. I predict that Scotland will win by a margin of 15-20 points.
Preview
Scotland will be looking to make a strong start to their Rugby World Cup campaign when they face Tonga in Nice on Sunday. The Scots are ranked fifth in the world and are one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Tonga, on the other hand, are ranked fifteenth in the world and are not expected to challenge for the title. However, they are a dangerous side and have the potential to upset Scotland if they are not careful.
Scotland will be looking to their star players, such as Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg, and Gregor Townsend, to lead them to victory. Tonga will be looking to their own star players, such as Semi Radradra and Malakai Fekitoa, to cause Scotland some problems.
This match should be a close and exciting contest. Scotland are the favorites, but Tonga are capable of springing a surprise.
Analysis
Scotland and Tonga are two very different teams. Scotland are a well-organized and disciplined team with a lot of experience. Tonga, on the other hand, are a more free-flowing and attacking team.
Scotland will be looking to control the ball and play territory. They will also be looking to use their set-piece to put Tonga under pressure.
Tonga will be looking to attack Scotland from all over the field. They will also be looking to use their physicality to unsettle Scotland.
Conclusion
Scotland are the favorites to win this match, but they will need to be wary of Tonga’s physicality and attacking flair. I predict that Scotland will win by a margin of 15-20 points.
