A constricting performance from the Springboks was the order of the day, as the world champions saw off a plucky Tongan side 49-18 in Marseille.

On the day of Handre Pollard’s long-awaited return, the fly-half delivered exactly what was promised, with a 100% kicking performance from the tee. 

Offensively, his presence brought a clear change to the Boks' attacking shape, as they reverted to type with a strong kicking and strike running game. Relying on the individual brilliance of those around him, Pollard put the Bok forwards on the front foot and facilitated his backline without ever really causing the defensive line any issues. 

Lasting a solid 50 minutes, Pollard pressed his case for a starting berth heading into the quarterfinals. 

Securing the bonus while he was on the pitch shows that despite lacking the flair of Libbok, Pollard’s efficient string-pulling gets the job done. 

To its credit, despite losing touch early, Tonga continued to fight and showed endeavor throughout. 

Winger Fine Inisi clearly was their star performer, with two tries that kept the Boks honest. At one point, he had a Tongan comeback firmly on the radar. 

Highlights: Relive the action from the #Springboks' tough #RWC2023 pool win over Tonga in Marseille - watch here: https://t.co/ExLrQZuEZX ?#StrongerTogether #RSAvTGA pic.twitter.com/Eyn79kuM43

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 1, 2023

Other notable performers were captain Ben Tameifuna, who anchored a solid scrum and got over for his team’s opening try just before halftime, ensuring they had a pulse at the break. 

The second half would see several bright moments for the Tongans, but the South African defense, by and large, held its nerve, albeit conceding two wide tries to Inisi. 

In the end, it would be four tries to two in the second half to the Springboks, who scored seven in total on the night. 

In terms of takeaways for the world champions, there now is a very real conversation to be had between who starts at fly-half. 

Libbok sparked the Bok backline when he came on and landed all three of his conversions, two of which were from the touchline. But having faltered so heavily when the pressure was on in previous outings, to say there are doubts about his ability is a major understatement. 

Pollard, while not quite as flashy, is a proven match-winner and pressed his case as well as he could. 

Certainly, the Boks coaching ticket will feel far more confident having him on the squad and could look to start him and inject Libbok’s pace into the game toward the end. 

Elsewhere, Deon Fourie continued to show that he is a suitable deputy in the hooker position. Whether he can perform as aptly at line-out time against a more proficient opposition remains to be seen, but based on the evidence of this evening, that will be another box ticked. 

Scorers

South Africa

Tries: Reinach, Moodie, Fourie, Kriel, Le Roux, van Staden, Smith

Conversions: Pollard (4), Libbok (3) 

Tonga

Tries: Tameifun, Inisi (2)

Penalties: Havilli 

Teams

South Africa 

Willie Le Roux; Grant Williams, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach; Ox Nche, Deon Fourie, Vincent Koch; Eben Etzebeth, Marvin Orie; Siya Kolisi (captain), Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese

Replacements: Marco van Staden, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel 

Tonga

Salesi Piutau; Fine Inisi, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Anzelo Tuitavuki; William Havili, Augustine Pulu; Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna (captain); Halaleva Fifita, Sam Lousi; Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Talitui, Semisi Paea 

Replacements: Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Sione Vailanu, Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini, Afusipa Taumoepeau