South Africa 49-18 Tonga: Springboks on brink of Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after big win

RUGBYU-WC-2023-MATCH32-RSA-TGA
AFP via Getty Images
Marc Mayo1 October 2023

South Africa overcame a strong showing from Tonga to all-but book their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, with a 49-18 win in Marseille.

Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Deon Fourie, Jesse Kriel, Willie Le Roux, Marco van Staden and Kwagga Smith went over the line while Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok 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.

The highly unlikely event of a three-way tie on 15 points would be the only scenario that puts South Africa in danger next weekend.

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