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.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 13 minutes
Tonga still trying to find a way through the South Africa backline, they manage to get it to the wing but the Springboks are there.
This is incredible defensive work, it forces Tonga to try the kick, and it’s spilled but falls over the line right at the back.
Tonga had the penalty so will still have another chance.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 10 minutes
Tonga have a scrum just metres away from their first try of the match.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 10 minutes
Tonga took a risk against the rush South Africa defence but were prepared to do it and they’re definitely not showing any fear against the defending champions.
Tonga have the ball just before the try line.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 9 minutes
These packs are both huge and both will want to lay down a marker with the early scrums.
This one is Tonga’s and was quite straightforward. They pass it out to the wings quickly and are into the South Africa half.
Conversion! South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 5 minutes
Pollard could not have hit that any sweeter, it was not an easy kick, right from the far side of the pitch but it goes through the posts and South Africa take the lead.
Try! South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 5 minutes
That was slightly bizarre and took everyone by surprise.
Ultimate piece of quick thinking from South Africa who caught Tonga on the back foot with a quick kick into his hands before Reinach dived for the line.
Penalty! South Africa 0-3 Tonga - 4 minutes
South Africa get forward for the first time in the match, and they have the penalty for not rolling away, but have kicked into touch.
The Springboks going for the tries rather than points in the early stages.
Penalty! South Africa 0-3 Tonga - 2 minutes
South Africa have already given a penalty after messing up the kick-off, an early chance for Tonga to put points on the board.
It’s straight under the posts and no distance out and Havili makes no mistake.
South Africa 0-0 Tonga - 1 minute
First kick was a bit of a surprise for South Africa, it went the other way than expected, and Tonga have the first lineout.
South Africa 0-0 Tonga - 1 minute
Tonga kick-off and the game is underway in Marseille.
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