South Africa vs Tonga: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channel, team news, lineups, venue, odds
With the final week off, the Springboks will be determined to provide as comfortable a weekend as possible by securing a bonus-point win in Marseille.
Scotland and Ireland face off during their rest week, meaning a poor display here could make for a very nervy watch when the World Cup completes its opening round.
South Africa were beaten by the Irish in a thriller last time out, with questions over the defending champions’ kicking.
Tonga managed to put points on the board against both Scotland and Ireland but are on the brink of elimination following two defeats.
Date, kick-off time and venue
South Africa vs Tonga takes place on Sunday October 1, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The game will be hosted by Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
Where to watch South Africa vs Tonga
TV channel: In the UK, South Africa vs Tonga will be shown live on free-to-air channel ITV1, with coverage starting at 7:15pm.
Live stream: The game is also available to watch for free online via the ITV website and ITVX app.
Live blog:Standard Sport’s live match blog.
South Africa vs Tonga team news
With a week off to come and this fixture a must-win, South Africa will likely put out a strong team in the south of France.
Handre Pollard will be parachuted in to bolster the Boks’ kicking, possibly at No10 in place of Manie Libbok.
South Africa vs Tonga lineups
The confirmed line-ups will be released later in the week, check back to find out who’s playing!
South Africa vs Tonga referee
Luke Pearce will referee the match along with fellow English officials Matthew Carley and Christophe Ridley. Australia’s Brett Cronan is on TMO duty.
South Africa vs Tonga prediction
The Springboks need a solid performance to round off their pool stage by bolstering their points difference to assure their place in the quarter-finals.
South Africa to win, with a bonus point.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two teams have only met twice, in 1997 and 2007, with the Boks victorious on both occasions.
South Africa wins: 2
Tonga wins: 0
Draws: 0
South Africa vs Tonga latest odds
South Africa to win: 1/200
Tonga to win: 50/1
Draw: 50/1
Odds via Befair and subject to change.
