South Africa vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and final score as Springboks go top of Pool B
South Africa 49-18 Tonga: The Springboks bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Ireland to move to the top of the table on 15 points
South Africa were firmly on track for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals as they ran in seven tries to knock Tonga out with a 49-18 victory in their last Pool B game on Sunday.
Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Deon Fourie, Jesse Kriel, Willie Le Roux, Marco van Staden and Kwagga Smith went over the line and Handre Pollard (4) and Manie Libbok (3) converted to put the defending champions top of their group on 15 points.
It was, however, the first time since the 2015 World Cup that the Springboks conceded three tries in a match as Ben Tameifuna, Fine Inisi and Patrick Pellegrini touched down in a fierce performance by Tonga.
South Africa will go through if Scotland fail to beat Ireland, who overcame the Springboks in the first game of the group and have 14 points, with a bonus point.
Follow all the latest from the Pool B match below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here, plus the latest tips and free bets on the World Cup here.
FT: South Africa 49-18 Tonga
Defending champions South Africa saw off Tonga 49-18 to pick up a bonus-point win in Marseille which moved them temporarily top of Rugby World Cup Pool B.
Ireland could have been sure of a quarter-final place before their final pool match against Scotland had the Springboks failed to beat Tonga, who had lost both previous games.
Andy Farrell’s men, though, can guarantee top spot if they avoid defeat by Scotland, whose own qualification hopes are slim.
Tonga got the first points on the board at the Stade Velodrome through an early penalty from William Havili.
South Africa bounce back from Ireland defeat to bonus point victory over Tonga
FT: South Africa 49-18 Tonga
Siya Kolisi said to ITV: “They’re a great team, they’re really hard to play against, we knew it was going to be a tough game.
“We’re so grateful for all our fans and supporters who have come out today.
“We had to fight for it, we knew Tonga was going to come out and fight for it, a few penalties that we gave away.
On getting his 50th cap: “It’s always special, it doesn’t matter about the milestone.
“This is a special group and hopefully we can go all the way.
FT: South Africa 49-18 Tonga
Deon Fourie said to ITV after the game: “It was a good game. We expected a tough game, but we played well today and I’m glad.
“Our motto in the Bok camp is we train hard like we play and that worked today.
FT: South Africa 49-18 Tonga
South Africa are not quite in the quarter-finals, they still need some things from other results, but they have all but reached the knockout stages.
Conversion! South Africa 49-18 Tonga - 80 minutes
There’s no missing that, and Libbok’s conversion takes them to their final total of 49 points.
It was an incredible way to finish and a good Sprinboks performance, but that takes nothing away from Tonga and how hard they’ve worked for everything today.
Try! South Africa 47-18 Tonga - 80 minutes
South Africa go out with a bang and a try! Smith has the ball down right under the posts.
South Africa 42-18 Tonga - 79 minutes
South Africa might just have one more chance to add to their total here as they edge into Tonga’s 22.
South Africa 42-18 Tonga - 79 minutes
That final drive has taken a lot out of Tonga and they’re getting slightly sloppy here when it comes to giving the ball away.
South Africa 42-18 Tonga - 77 minutes
The crowd have made their mind up about who they’re supporting...boos ring out as the decision goes against Tonga and the ball is awarded back to South Africa.
Just a penalty there for holding on.
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