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 14-3 Tonga - 27 minutes
Tonga this time with the scrum just five metres beyond their own try line, but are able to safely kick the ball into touch.
South Africa 14-3 Tonga - 27 minutes
There’s a maul, the Springboks are committing a lot of players into this, but it falls just before the line and Tonga stand firm.
They have a lot of weight in their scrum pack and the same players stood strong to halt their opponents’ drive towards the line there as well.
South Africa 14-3 Tonga - 25 minutes
South Africa have the advantage and choose to kick into touch, they could be on course for a big score here.
South Africa 14-3 Tonga - 24 minutes
There’s a Mexican wave going around...I’m not sure that’s needed given the quality of the rugby that’s been on show.
But South Africa now have a more considered attack with the Tonga defence in place, but they’re almost undone by an improvised chip.
The Springboks are attacking with pace and causing all sorts of problems.
South Africa 14-3 Tonga - 22 minutes
Where Tonga have looked creative going forwards, that’s twice they have just been caught on the back foot when South Africa attack.
Over 80 percent of the game has been played in South Africa’s half, but it’s the Springboks who have two tries to their name with Tonga still searching for their first.
Conversion! South Africa 14-3 Tonga - 20 minutes
No mistakes again from Pollard, but it was put straight in front of the posts and two quick tries gives the Springboks and 11-point lead after just over 20 minutes.
Try! South Africa 12-3 Tonga - 20 minutes
South Africa dance through yet again! All that pressure from Tonga and they just haven’t been able to find a way through.
But one move forwards and South Africa run through and Moodie the ball between the posts.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 18 minutes
Tonga have the ball with Inisi down the wing and have looked the brighter of the two sides so far, especially when possession is concerned.
Tonga penalised for what the referee felt was trying to milk a penalty.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 16 minutes
The Springboks manage to kick the ball clear and prevent the danger for now.
But it’s back with Tonga, and again they run into a wall of South Africa defenders.
They have defended almost impeccably so far, making 49 tackles to Tonga’s nine.
South Africa 7-3 Tonga - 14 minutes
A slightly bizarre wait for the ball, and Tonga go for the lineout instead of kicking for the points.
The ball is back in touch but it will be South Africa this time.
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