@Springboks
The Springboks got a bonus point win against Tonga in their final pool game of rugby World Cup 2023 running out comfortable 49-18 winners in Marseille.
Jesse Kriel got the bonus point try, while Marco van Staden got his first test try as the Springboks ran in seven tries against the gallant Tongans.
South Africa went into the break with a 21-8 lead after tries from Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, while Deon Fourie got the Springboks’ third try ahead of the half-time whistle.
Handre Pollard kicked the conversions before he was replaced in the second half by Manie Libbok at flyhalf.
The other South African tries came from Willie le Roux and Kwagga Smith, with Libbok kicking three conversions
Speaking after the game, Man of the Match Deon Fourie said the Springboks expected a tough game. He also said he relished playing at hooker, having trained in that position.
Coach, Jacque Nienaber, said now it is just a matter of waiting for the outcome of the other pool matches as well as how Pool A shapes to decide their next possible opponent.
He also said it was “brilliant” for Pollard to get 50 minutes on the field following his return from long-term injury, adding that “we can build from now”.
The win takes South Africa to the top of Pool B on 15 points, one more than Ireland who still have a crunch game a Scotland (on 10 points) coming up next Saturday to decide the final pool standings.
