Johnny Sexton broke Ireland’s individual points record as his team edged closer to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a thumping 59-16 bonus-point victory over Tonga In Nantes.

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

Captain Sexton also scored a penalty and four conversions, en route to a career tally of 1,090 before being withdrawn from a bruising Pool B encounter at half-time ahead of next week’s crucial clash against South Africa.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, speaking to ITV:

“We are delighted to have taken five points against a very good team. That was the topic tonight and that was the main focus. We’ve done it, we’ll move on and now we’ll focus on a massive game next week. Playing against the world champions is going to be really special.

On becoming Ireland’s top try scorer: “I don’t think it’s about individual achievements tonight. It’s about getting the next win and continuing to build in this tournament. It’s week after week in a World Cup and you have to produce it week after week.

“It’s always nice [to score a try], I don’t get it too often. It’s a great personal milestone but I much prefer a victory.

Irish centre, Bundee Aki speaking to RTE: “All credit to the boys and all respect to Tonga. They shot and we knew it was going to be a physical match. Much respect to them, I hope they come out over the next few weeks and leave it all 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 stupid sanctions, you could say. I know we got the points we wanted, but we’re going to leave and we’re still not happy with our performance.

“Next week will be an even bigger test for us, but we’re going to go out there and do our best.”

Andy Farrell knows there are bigger challenges ahead, but he must be delighted to see how clinical and professional his side have been in their opening matches.

Two matches played, two victories assured, twice scored more than 50 points in a match. Ireland looks to be one of the best teams at this World Cup.

Ireland produced another fantastic performance at the Rugby World Cup to sweep aside Tonga with relative ease.

They were frustrated by the Pacific Islanders early in the first half, but continued to step up a gear and emerged victorious with a bonus point to boot.

Andy Farrell’s men are top of Pool B.

Rob Herring puts the icing on the cake for Ireland with a powerful strike from a lineout. He scores after scoring a try earlier in the match.

Ross Byrne sticks the conversion between the uprights and ends the match.

Tonga continue to push forward, but Ireland’s unwavering defense is an intimidating thing to face. Pita Ahki throws a poor kick over the top as Hugo Keenan collects it in play for Ireland.

His return kick is more powerful and William Havili is forced to lose his sense, leaving Ireland with plenty of territory near the Tongan try line.

Into the last 10 minutes now and the game is over. Ireland move to the top of Pool B with two consecutive matches in which they have scored more than 50 points.

They have tougher tests ahead in South Africa and Scotland, but they couldn’t be in better shape ahead of those clashes.

Ireland pile on the points as Tonga’s energy levels start to drop. A few powerful drives from close range allow the Tonga line to contract, allowing Josh van der Flier to link up with Craig Casey.

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

A strong Irish scrum brings them another penalty which Ross Byrne decides to take for the territory. From the lineout the ball is released from the maul to James Lowe who passes it to Byrne.

He holds it long enough to make a tackle, then throws it to Bundee Aki. Aki has space to burst into and does so easily before crossing the line.

Seven more points for Ireland.