Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool B - South Africa v Tonga - Orange Velodrome, Marseille, France - October 1, 2023 South Africa's Willie Le Roux scores their fifth try REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Many of the 60,387 in the crowd were rooting for the Pacific Islanders, but while Tonga put on a brave showing, South Africa fed off their errors and had too much guile and experience. South Africa's win took them top of the pool with 15 points and into a strong position to qualify for the last eight, but they are not confirmed yet and must wait for the outcome of the clash between Ireland and Scotland next Saturday.
"They're a great team, really hard to play against, they put everything on the line. We knew it was going to be a tough game. Hopefully, we've done enough to qualify for the next round."There was another positive for South Africa on the day they were led by Kolisi for the 50th time. Flyhalf Handre Pollard made a successful return in his first test in 13 months as he kicked all his conversions and lasted 50 minutes.
Scrumhalf Reinach took a quick penalty and dived over as Tonga were caught napping, before centre Moodie and hooker Fourie crossed. South Africa chipped away at the scoreboard, however, and kept Tonga at arms-length with four more tries for a win that was comfortable on paper, but hard-fought on the pitch.
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