Eddie O'Sullivan was forced to make a late change to his line-up

Ireland rugby coach Eddie O'Sullivan has said that a Tongan player may be cited following an incident in Saturday's international which left Eric Miller with a broken nose.

Tonga's Viliami Ma'asi after 58 minutes after the incident but Irish officials believe the real culprit was Heamani Lavaka.

Miller had to have stitches in his nose after the game while his eyelid was also damaged.

"It seems like Eric had his face stamped on, it was definitely a red card," O'Sullivan said.

"I'm going to see the match commissioner now and we'll make a decision after that. It's a pity it happened.

"The game was played in a pretty sporting way and there was really no incidents to talk about."

O'Sullivan expressed contentment after Saturday's 40-19 win even though his side had produced an indifferent display.

Tonga lead 11-0 early on but the Irish fought back to register six tries.

The heat got to us a bit Eddie O'Sullivan

"I'd have to be happy enough with the result," insisted O'Sullivan.

"Six tries to two is a good result no matter what way you look at it.

"OK, it was an untidy performance at times, we didn't start particularly well but in the conditions that was to be expected".

Ireland had named only four of the team that started last weekend's defeat by Australia and were forced into another change when full-back Girvan Dempsey had to cry off because of a stomach bug.

Mark McHugh took over at full-back and the debutant had a nervous opening half although he did partially redeem himself by scoring a late try.

"Hard pitch"

"We were playing into a strong wind and really needed to control the ball and we didn't and found ourselves 11-0 down and looking like we set ourselves a very difficult task," said O'Sullivan.

"But in fairness to the lads they buckled down, tried their hearts out in very difficult conditions.

"The pitch was very very hard and the heat got to us a bit, plus the Tongans were a very physical side.

"We really worked hard and got things back on track just before half-time which I think was important.