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 19:01 · Jamie Braidwood]

South Africa vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest

South Africa can go top of Pool B if they achieve a bonus point victory in their final Rugby World Cup group fixture against Tonga.

The Springboks are bidding to bounce back from their defeat to Ireland, a captivating contest that could yet prove a preview of the final.

Scotland’s bonus point win over Romania means that South Africa cannot secure their quarter-final spot even if they take five points here, and Jacques Nienaber will know that his much-changed side can’t take things easy against a dangerous Tongan team.

That said, the Pacific Islanders have struggled for consistency and cohesion at this World Cup - can they produce a better showing to challenge the defending champions?

Here’s everything you need to know.

[1 October 2023 19:00 · Jamie Braidwood]

South Africa vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest

South Africa meet Tonga in Marseille looking to complete their Rugby World Cup Pool B efforts with a third bonus point win.

The Springboks suffered a set-back against Ireland in a thrilling encounter last time out but are still well placed to make the quarter-finals.

Jacques Nienaber has made a number of changes to his team but will be wary of a Tonga side that are better than they have showed in their first two fixtures in France.

While the absence of Vaea Fifita, suspended after his sending off against Scotland, is a blow, in Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Tameifuna, the Pacific Islanders still have real experience and quality.

For South Africa, there is a return for World Cup winning fly half Handre Pollard, called up after injury struck hooker Malcolm Marx earlier in the tournament and looking to stake a claim to regain the starting ten shirt.

Follow all the latest from the Pool B match in tonight’s live blog.