Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has urged his players to "throw down a marker for the World Cup" when they meet Tonga tomorrow.
Tonga have recently returned from a two-match tour of New Zealand, during which they were heavily beaten by the Maori before drawing 10-10 with a divisional XV side. O'Sullivan, however, has warned his players not to underestimate their opponents.
"We will need to control the pace of the game, because a quicker pace in the heat over here might suit them more than us," he said. "They are a very physical team and, if we are not strong in the tackle, we will struggle due to the fact that they will offload out of the tackle.
"The players should be very focused. It's an opportunity for them to throw down a marker for the World Cup. And, if guys come up short on Saturday, it will make life more difficult for them".