- South Africa was assured of advancing to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.
- Pollard and Libbok added conversions to put the reigning champions atop their group with 15 points.
- Ben Tameifuna, Fine Inisi, and Patrick Pellegrini all scored touchdowns as Tonga put in a valiant performance.
After scoring seven tries to defeat Tonga 49-18 in their final Pool B match on Sunday, South Africa was assured of advancing to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.
Handre Pollard (4) and Manie Libbok (3) added conversions to put the reigning champions atop their group with 15 points after Cobus Reinach, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Willie Le Roux, Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie, and Marco van Staden crossed the line.
Rugby World Cup
Ben Tameifuna, Fine Inisi, and Patrick Pellegrini all scored touchdowns as Tonga put in a valiant performance, but it was the first time the Springboks had let up three tries in a game since the 2015 World Cup.
Ireland, who defeated the Springboks in the group’s opening game and has 14 points with a bonus point, will advance if Scotland loses to them, and they beat the Springboks in the match-up.
In a Rugby World Cup match, South Africa defeated Tonga 49-18 to win by bonus points in Marseille. South Africa won the match, temporarily taking the lead in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup.
If Ireland had defeated Tonga, who had dropped their previous two games, they would have qualified for the quarterfinals.
However, if they avoid defeating Scotland, whose chances of qualifying are minimal, Andy Farrell’s team will be able to secure first place. At the Stade Velodrome, Tonga’s William Havili’s early penalty gave them the first points.
