South Africa vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest build-up and updates

Close Eddie Jones loses patience with reporters over constant questions about Japan job interview South Africa meet Tonga in Marseille looking to complete their Rugby World Cup Pool B efforts with a third bonus point win. The Springboks suffered a set-back against Ireland in a thrilling encounter last time out but are still well placed to make the quarter-finals. Jacques Nienaber has made a number of changes to his team but will be wary of a Tonga side that are better than they have showed in their first two fixtures in France. While the absence of Vaea Fifita, suspended after his sending off against Scotland, is a blow, in Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Tameifuna, the Pacific Islanders still have real experience and quality. For South Africa, there is a return for World Cup winning fly half Handre Pollard, called up after injury struck hooker Malcolm Marx earlier in the tournament and looking to stake a claim to regain the starting ten shirt. Follow all the latest from the Pool B match below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here, plus the latest tips and free bets on the World Cup here . 1696183911 Semisi Paea steps in at number eight for Tonga in the absence of Vaea Fifita, whose tournament is over after his sending off for a shoulder charge against Scotland. Afusipa Taumoepeau’s yellow card in that game did not prompt further investigation from the citing commisioner, but the wing still drops out of the starting side, with Moana Pasifika teammates Anzelo Tuitavuki and Fine Inisi joining Charles Piutau in the back three. While Toutai Kefu has regularly used a six/two bench split, the Tonga coach also opts for a five/three, with former Australia lock Adam Coleman again among those held in reserve. Jamie Braidwood 1 October 2023 19:11 1696183731 The return of Handre Pollard is the headline news from Jacques Nienaber’s selection, with the World Cup-winning fly half called up to the Springboks squad after injury to Malcolm Marx earlier in the tournament and ready to offer a different skillset to Manie Libbok, the incumbent starter at ten. Elsewhere in the backline, scrum half Grant Williams showcases his versatility by starting on the wing, while there is another opportunity at 13 for rising star Canan Moodie. Duane Vermeulen and Jasper Wiese ensure there is no shortage of carrying threat in the back row. After triggering plenty of debate with their seven forwards to one back bench split against Ireland, South Africa revert to a conventional five/three, with flanker Marco van Staden the hooker cover. Jamie Braidwood 1 October 2023 19:08 1696183371 When is South Africa vs Tonga? South Africa vs Tonga is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 1 October at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage due to begin at 7.15pm BST. Registered users can stream the action for free via ITVX. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Jamie Braidwood 1 October 2023 19:02 1696183311 The Springboks are bidding to bounce back from their defeat to Ireland, a captivating contest that could yet prove a preview of the final. Scotland’s bonus point win over Romania means that South Africa cannot secure their quarter-final spot even if they take five points here, and Jacques Nienaber will know that his much-changed side can’t take things easy against a dangerous Tongan team. That said, the Pacific Islanders have struggled for consistency and cohesion at this World Cup – can they produce a better showing to challenge the defending champions? Here’s everything you need to know. Everything you need to know ahead of the Pool B clash Jamie Braidwood 1 October 2023 19:01 1696183251 South Africa meet Tonga in Marseille looking to complete their Rugby World Cup Pool B efforts with a third bonus point win. The Springboks suffered a set-back against Ireland in a thrilling encounter last time out but are still well placed to make the quarter-finals. Jacques Nienaber has made a number of changes to his team but will be wary of a Tonga side that are better than they have showed in their first two fixtures in France. While the absence of Vaea Fifita, suspended after his sending off against Scotland, is a blow, in Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Tameifuna, the Pacific Islanders still have real experience and quality. For South Africa, there is a return for World Cup winning fly half Handre Pollard, called up after injury struck hooker Malcolm Marx earlier in the tournament and looking to stake a claim to regain the starting ten shirt. Follow all the latest from the Pool B match in tonight’s live blog. Jamie Braidwood 1 October 2023 19:00