Rugby World Cup: South Africa secure bonus-point 49-18 victory over Tonga in Marseille

South Africa stayed on course for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals as they attempted to eliminate Tonga in seven tries with a 49-18 win in their final Pool B match on Sunday.

Defending champions South Africa defeated Tonga 49-18 to take a bonus point win in Marseille to move them top of the Rugby World Cup Pool B.

Ireland could have been assured of a place in the quarter-finals for their final pool match against Scotland had the Springboks failed to beat Tonga, who had lost both previous matches.

However, Andy Farrell’s men can guarantee top spot if they avoid defeat to Scotland, whose own hopes of qualification are slim.

Tonga got the first points on the board at the Stade Velodrome thanks to an early penalty from William Havili.

But South Africa were soon ahead when scrum-half Cobus Reinach tapped home a quick penalty before sprinting to the corner.

The Springboks further extended their lead in the 20th minute when the ball bounced off Vincent Koch’s shoulder and straight to Canan Moodie, who fired under the posts.

Makazole Mapimpi went off with a head injury after being caught by Augustine Pulu as they dived into a tackle. England referee Luke Pearce and the TMO agreed it was not a yellow card offense by the Tongan, who was on his knees at the time of contact.

South Africa, beaten 13-8 by Ireland at the Stade de France, scored again after half an hour through Deon Fourie after a big maul from a lineout before Tonga got a try when captain Ben Tameifuna switched to to shrink the ball. The deficit was reduced to 21-8 at halftime.

The Springboks set up a bonus point try early in the second half when substitute Jesse Kriel pushed through and the TMO subsequently disallowed a yellow card for Eben Etzebeth for a collision with Tonga full-back Salesi Piutau.

Tonga responded again when winger Fine Inisi touched down in the corner, but Willie Le Roux crossed to the left and South African replacement Marco van Staden added another try after a well-executed quick counter.

Coventry fly-half Pat Pellegrini produced a memorable moment as he chased down his own kick and scored under the posts before Kwagga Smith dived for South Africa’s seventh try in added time.

It was the first time since the 2015 World Cup that the Springboks have conceded three tries in one match.