South Africa and Tonga will face off in the Rugby World Cup 2023 on Sunday, 1 October 2023, at 21:00 Local Time, 6AM AEDT, 8PM GMT, 11:45 AM ET. The match will be played at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille, France.
South Africa vs Tonga Match Details
- Matchup: South Africa vs Tonga
- WORLD RANKING: South Africa (3rd), Tonga (15th)
- Time: Sunday, 1 October 2023, 21:00 Local Time, 3 PM ET
- Stadium: Stade de Marseille, Marseille
- Capacity: 67,000
- Referee: Luke Pearce (United Kingdom)
South Africa vs Tonga Preview
Following Malcolm Marx’s unfortunate Rugby World Cup-ending injury, Handré Pollard has been called up to the South Africa squad and will start at fly-half (number 10) against Tonga in Marseille on Sunday. This marks Pollard’s return to the Springboks, having last earned a cap in August 2022.
In response to their 13-8 defeat to Ireland, South Africa has made a total of 12 changes to their starting lineup. Only second-row Eben Etzebeth, captain Siya Kolisi (leading the Springboks for the 50th time), and number eight Jasper Wiese retain their positions in the pack, while the entire backline has been overhauled.
Duane Vermeulen, typically a number eight, will take on the openside flanker role for the first time since November 2018 against France and only the third time in his 72-cap career.
Tonga’s Semisi Paea steps into the number eight position, filling in for Vaea Fifita, who is serving a four-game suspension. Tonga’s starting XV features three changes from their previous match against Scotland as coach Toutai Kefu seeks to discover the right combinations to unlock his team’s attacking potential. Additionally, two changes have been made on both wings, with Anzelo Tuitavuki making his Rugby World Cup debut on the left and Fine Inisi starting on the right.
Notably, Tonga’s front-row trio of loose-head Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, hooker Paula Ngauamo, and tight-head and captain Ben Tameifuna will start together for the third consecutive match. With a combined total of 15 career Rugby World Cup appearances between them, they aim to pose challenges for the Springboks’ 37-year-old “rookie” hooker, though South Africa’s prop forwards may have their own plans to counter this strategy.
South Africa lineups
Willie le Roux, Grant Williams, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi (capt.), Marvin Orie, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Deon Fourie, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Marco van Staden, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok.
Tonga lineups
Salesi Piutau, Fine Inisi, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Anzelo Tuitavuki, William Havili, Augustine Pulu: Semisi Paea, Sione Talitui, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sam Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Ben Tameifuna (capt), Paula Ngauamo, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Replacements: Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Sione Vailanu, Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini, Afusipa Taumoepeau
Below, you’ll find comprehensive details on how to access the live streams for the South Africa vs Tonga match, so you can enjoy the action of the France 2023 World Cup from anywhere you are.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Stream for FREE
If you are located in the United Kingdom, you can watch the South Africa vs Tonga live stream for free on ITVX. ITVX is ITV’s streaming platform, and it is available on all major devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
However, if you find yourself outside the country and away from home during the match, fret not. Here’s how you can still catch the action.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the U.S.
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on NBC and NBC’s streaming platform Peacock in the United States. Peacock is available on all major devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the UK
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C in the UK, and it will be available to stream for free on ITVX. ITV4 and S4C are both free-to-air channels in the UK, and they are available on all major TV platforms.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the Australia
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on Stan Sport in Australia. Stan Sport is a subscription-based streaming service that offers live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the South Africa
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be broadcast live on SUPERSPORT and SABC Sport in South Africa. SUPERSPORT is a subscription-based streaming service that offers live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches. SABC Sport is a free-to-air channel in South Africa, and it will be broadcasting a selection of Rugby World Cup matches live.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the Ireland
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be broadcast live on RTE and VIRGIN in Ireland. RTE and VIRGIN are both subscription-based streaming services that offer live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the New Zealand
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on SKY NZ and Stuff in New Zealand. SKY NZ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches. Stuff is a news website that will be streaming a selection of Rugby World Cup matches live.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the Portugal
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on SPORT TV and RTP in Portugal. SPORT TV is a subscription-based streaming service that offers live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches. RTP is a free-to-air channel in Portugal, and it will be broadcasting a selection of Rugby World Cup matches live.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the Italy
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on SKY Italia and RAI in Italy. SKY Italia is a subscription-based streaming service that offers live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches. RAI is a free-to-air channel in Italy, and it will be broadcasting a selection of Rugby World Cup matches live.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the Romania
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on Digisport and ORANGE SPORT in Romania. Digisport and ORANGE SPORT are both subscription-based streaming services that offer live coverage of all Rugby World Cup matches.
How to Watch South Africa vs Tonga Live Streams in the Tonga
The South Africa vs Tonga match will be streamed live on DIGICEL TV and Tonga Broadcasting Commission in Tonga. DIGICEL TV is a subscription service that offers live streaming of rugby matches from around the world, including the Rugby World Cup. To watch the South Africa vs Tonga match live on DIGICEL TV, you will need to subscribe to the service and have a DIGICEL TV decoder.
The Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) will be broadcasting the South Africa vs Tonga match live on television and radio. To watch the match live on TBC, you will need to tune in to the TBC television or radio channel.
Additional Information
In addition to the above, you can also watch the South Africa vs Tonga match live on RUGBYPASS TV. RUGBYPASS TV is a subscription service that offers live streaming of rugby matches from around the world.
For more information on how to watch the South Africa vs Tonga match live, please visit the Rugby World Cup website: Rwcglobally.com
