Key events
The big news in the build-up to this one is the return of Springboks’ fly-half Handré Pollard. The 65-cap outside-half was a late injury replacement to the South Africa squad and starts this game on the back of a 30-minute cameo for Leicester Tigers a fortnight ago, having been suffering with a calf injury. The 29-year-old kicked 22 points against England in the World Cup final four years ago and steps in for Manie Libbok tonight.
This is what Pollard said about his return to the biggest stage of all:
My expectations for myself are just going to be to express myself and enjoy it.
“It should have only been about four weeks [out], but ended up being almost three months. It was a very frustrating time but that’s the body, that’s how it works. We tried our best to be fit as soon as possible but it didn’t work out.
Tonight’s teams
South Africa
Le Roux; Williams, Moodie, Esterhuizen, Mapimpi; Pollard, Reinach; Nche, Fourie, Koch, Etzebeth, Orie; Kolisi (c), Vermeulen, Wiese
Replacements: Van Staden, Kitshoff, Nyakane, Mostert, Smith, Hendrikse, Libbok, Kriel.
Tonga
Piutau; Inisi, Fekitoa, Ahki, Tuitavuki; Havili, Pulu; Fisi’ihoi, Ngauamo, Tameifuna (c), Fifita, Lousi; Halaifonua, Talitui, Paea
Replacements: Moli, Koloamatangi, Apikotoa, Coleman, Vailanu, Takulua, Pellegrini, Taumoepeau.
Preamble
Welcome along to this Pool B game in Marseille. South Africa’s spot in the quarter-finals is not yet a foregone conclusion after their narrow defeat to Ireland, but they can take a giant step to the last eight with victory tonight. Tonga are playing for pride, having lost to both the Irish and Scotland so far, putting up a far better fight against the latter. With Ireland and Scotland to play each other next week, tonight represents a decent opportunity for the Springboks to keep themselves out of trouble and guarantee at least second spot in the group … although their previous World Cup encounter with Tonga was a squeaky 30-25 victory in 2007, which the Tongans very nearly won.
We’ll run you through both teams next, before the 8pm BST kick-off.
