Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says he was more focused on the importance of earning a bonus-point victory rather than earning his 50th test cap for South Africa.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber praised the team’s effort and physicality against Tonga on Sunday night in their final Rugby World Cup pool match in Marseille – steering them to a 49-18 victory – and doing all they could to remain in the running to defend their title.
The Springboks have moved one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup quarter-finals after claiming a 49-18 bonus-point victory against Tonga in Marseille on Sunday evening.
Australia kept their hopes of reaching the Rugby World Cup knockout stages alive with a 34-14 victory over Portugal on Sunday.
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is relishing the chance to lead South Africa to victory against Tonga in their final Rugby World Cup pool match after a 13-month absence.
New Zealand ran in 14 tries to thrash Italy 96-17 for a bonus-point victory in the Rugby World Cup at the OL Stadium in Lyon.
Springbok fullback Willie le Roux is expecting a “brutal” battle against Tonga in their final Rugby World Cup pool match in Marseille on Sunday.
Handre Pollard will play his first Test since August 2022 and Marco van Staden will wear the No 16 jersey as replacement hooker for the first time when the Springboks meet Tonga in Marseille on Sunday, as coach Jacques Nienaber rotated his starting team for their final Rugby World Cup pool match.
Springbok fly-half Handre Pollard could be in line to face Tonga in South Africa's final Rugby World Cup pool game at the Orange Velodrome on Sunday.
Wales became the first team to reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after recording a 40-6 victory over Australia at Parc OL on Sunday evening.