The Springboks v Tonga in their final pool match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup at the Stade de Marseille on Sunday night (kick-off 9pm). If South Africa defeats Tonga and earns a bonus point victory in their last Rugby World Cup group match, they will move atop Pool B.
The Springboks are attempting to recover from their loss to Ireland, a thrilling match that may have served as a preview of the championship game.
Even if South Africa wins this match with five points, they will not be able to advance to the quarterfinals thanks to Scotland’s victory against Romania, which earned them a bonus point. Jacques Nienaber will be aware that his significantly altered team cannot afford to relax against the deadly Tongans. Springboks v Tonga: Four talking points ahead of the match
Rugby Lists
TV coverage of Springboks V Tonga? How to watch the Rugby World Cup match, the channel, and the start time
Kick Off Time 8pm BST – 9pm Local –Sunday 1st October.
TV Channel ITV1 (UK) – How To Watch the Rugby World Cup
Venue Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Capacity 67,394
When do South Africa vs Tonga match up?
At the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, the South Africa vs. Tonga match is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. BST on Sunday, October 1.
How do I view it?
ITV1 will be airing the game live in the UK, with coverage set to start at 7:15 PM BST. ITVX offers free live streaming of the action to registered subscribers. 2023 Rugby World Cup All Blacks games today will be Broadcast.
Line-ups
South Africa XV: Ox Nche, Deon Fourie, Vincent Koch; Eben Etzebeth, Marvin Orie; Siya Kolisi (captain), Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese; Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard; Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux.
Replacements: Marco van Staden, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith; Jaden Hendrikse, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel.
Tonga XV: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna (captain); Halaleva Fifita, Sam Lousi; Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Talitui, Semisi Paea; Augustine Pulu, William Havili; Anzelo Tuitavuki, Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, Fine Inisi; Charles Piutau.
Replacements: Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Sione Vailanu; Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Tonga vs. Boks RWC predictions
By 35, says Josh Graham, South Africa. The Springboks will be eager to respond to their loss, and I anticipate that Tonga will experience the full fury of a wounded animal. Amazingly, intriguing pairings like Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie don’t even receive a second look in the top 23. The Boks will likely end their pool season in commanding fashion.
By 33, says Alan Dymock, South Africa. Is it strange to see Marco van Staden filling in for Deon Fourie at No. 2 as the replacement hooker? Sure. The lineout should be under strain since the scrum won’t be as effective as it could be. Consider the rest of that pack, though. Let these gigantic men construct the armchair if a 75% Pollard is to be introduced back into Test rugby. They’ll aim to maintain their tight grip until Tonga are worn out.
TONGA vs. SOUTH AFRICA HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULTS
South Africa may have won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but a week after trouncing England 36-0 in the pool round, they nearly lost to the Ikale Tahi.
The Springboks nearly paid the price for ringing the changes for Tonga in Lens, narrowly escaping with a 30-25 victory. And the Pacific Islanders came dangerously close to winning it!
South Africa won easily in the first meeting of these teams at Newlands in 1997, defeating the visitors 74-10.