In pictures: Ireland fans turn Nantes green for Rugby World Cup showdown with Tonga

The Irish fanbase gather in their thousands before the pool clash

This will be only the third time the teams have met on the international stage. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

For Ireland's legion of fans, the Rugby World Cup just got serious. Over 15,000 guys and gals in green have descended on Nantes for tonight’s second Pool B clash against Tonga. 

This is Ireland's first time playing in Nantes. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

The support behind Andy Farrell's squad took their cue from the players' message this week that the Pacific Islanders are not to be taken lightly. That was borne out in Farrell's strong selection. But that didn’t stop the Irish support from having a hooley around Nantes and outside the Stade de La Beajoire.

Over 15,000 Irish are expected at the game in the Stade de la Beaujoire. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

This is the first World Cup visit for Ireland to Nantes and fans were in town Friday night and early Saturday to sample the local hospitality.

Nantes is the sixth biggest city in France with a population of nearly 700,000. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

In typical Irish fashion, the green army took over the French city. It's evident that the party has spilled into today as the fans inside the stadium gear up for what is expected to be a deceptively difficult challenge against the Tongans.

A win for Ireland against Tonga will give them every chance of escaping the pool stages. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

Speaking on RTE, Jamie Heaslip said 'This game can send a message internally and externally'.