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

Eddie Jones loses patience with reporters over constant questions about Japan job interview

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.

South Africa vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest score and updates

• FULL TIME: South Africa 49-18 Tonga
• Try! Reinach scores! South Africa 7-3 Tonga
• Try! Moodie scores! South Africa 14-3 Tonga
• Try! Fourie scores! South Africa 21-3 Tonga
• Try! Tameifuna scores! South Africa 21-8 Tonga
• HT: South Africa 21-8 Tonga
• Try! Kriel scores! South Africa 26-8 Tonga
• Try! Inisi scores! South Africa 26-13 Tonga
• Try! Le Roux scores! South Africa 35-13 Tonga
• Try! Van Staden scores! South Africa 42-13 Tonga
• Try! Pellegrini scores! South Africa 42-18 Tonga
• Try! Smith scores! South Africa 49-18 Tonga

[1 October 2023 21:09 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 47 minutes

Tonga manage to keep South Africa out, although they may have a lot of defending to do as this game continues.

When it comes to their opportunity to attack, the long ball just starts another Springboks attack.

[1 October 2023 21:07 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 45 minutes

South Africa steal a lineout, but Tonga have a difficult scrum to defend now right under their posts.

[1 October 2023 21:05 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 45 minutes

The Springboks are into the Tonga 22 for the first time this half and edging closer to that coveted bonus point for the fourth try.

Solid defending from Tonga, but South Africa are looking like they will have lots of chances.

[1 October 2023 21:03 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 43 minutes

Siya Kolisi with a stunning diving tackle to prevent any Tonga break there.

South Africa have started this half almost with more intent than the first.

[1 October 2023 21:02 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 41 minutes

The Springboks will be looking to kick on where they left off with their perfect line outs, and already have a maul from their first one.

It’s in the middle of the pitch so no danger, but a positive early start.

[1 October 2023 21:01 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 41 minutes

The second half is back underway, South Africa kick off in Marseille

[1 October 2023 20:53 · Sonia Twigg]

Half Time: South Africa 21-8 Tonga

Brian O’Driscoll just finding a fault with one of South Africa’s tries at half-time, believing the referee was still moving when Reinach tapped the ball with his foot and ran over the line.

[1 October 2023 20:51 · Sonia Twigg]

Half Time: South Africa 21-8 Tonga

With that being half-time, here are some photos from the match so far:

Canan Moodie scored one of South Africa’s three tries in the opening 40 minutes (AFP via Getty Images)

It was a high-level contest (Getty Images)

Pollard has kicked well in the game so far (REUTERS)

[1 October 2023 20:46 · Sonia Twigg]

Half Time: South Africa 21-8 Tonga

South Africa just five metres away, but Tonga intercept and manage to kick it into touch to end the half.

The Springboks had to weather the pressure in a solid Tonga performance, they attacked with intensity and managed to secure a try, but it is the defending champions who dominate the scoreline.

[1 October 2023 20:45 · Sonia Twigg]

South Africa 21-8 Tonga - 40+1 minutes

There’s time for one more South Africa drive before the whistle however. They drive forwards and look to wrap up a bonus point before the end of the opening half.