22.09.2007

South Africa 30, Tonga 25 in Lens (World Cup, Pool A)

South Africa won by 5 points. I predicted South Africa by 25.

 

Reviews

http://worldcup.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,21043,13090_2747732,00.html

 

Previews

Tonga has been a surprise package in this tournament. Dragged in from all corners of the earth the Tongans are playing their best rugby at the moment. This they proved when they defeated Island neighbour Samoa 19-15 having lost 3-50 to the Samoans in June. This is a vastly different Tongan team to the one that took the field in Apia. South Africa is setting the pace in their pool following their demolition of England last weekend. I can’t see them losing to Tonga.

http://fr.rugbyworldcup.com/home/fixtures/round=100/match=10096/announcementb.html#lequipe+tonga+rsa+tga

http://worldcup.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,21043,13088_2742436,00.html

http://www.sarugby.net/default.asp?des=article&id=229750

http://www.sarugby.net/default.asp?des=article&id=229509

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 6th, Tonga 11th.

 

Match data sheet

 

Other facts and figures, going into the game:

 

It will be Gary Botha and Gurthro Steenkamp’s RWC debuts.

Bob Skinstad will lead the Springboks for the 12th time, and Albert van den Berg will be the most experienced player in the starting 15, with 48 caps.

Percy Montgomery could become the most capped Springbok (90) in Tests, should he take the field from the bench.

André Pretorius needs one drop goal to become the player with the most drop goals in Tests, behind Naas Botha.

This will be Jake White’s 49th Test as Head Coach of the Springboks.

Saturday’s referee is Wayne Barnes of England. His only Test involving the Springboks was earlier this year when South Africa beat Australia in Cape Town with 22-19.