South Africa’s players line up for the playing of the national anthem at the World Cup. Photo: Pascal Guyot/AFP
Springboks v Tonga: SIX interesting stats you need to know
The Springboks square off in tough World Cup challenge against Tonga this weekend. Here are some interesting milestones and figures to note.
South Africa’s players line up for the playing of the national anthem at the World Cup. Photo: Pascal Guyot/AFP
The Springboks will square off in a must-win Pool B Test encounter against Tonga at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille on Sunday with the result set to determine whether they stay alive in the competition.
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This weekend’s match kicks off 21h00 SA time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Prior to the encounter, you can check out some key facts and figures below.
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SPRINGBOKS’ RECORD AGAINST TONGA:
Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0. Points for: 104; Points against: 35. Tries scored: 16; Tries conceded: 4. Highest score: 74; Biggest win: 64 points (74-10). Average score: 52-17. Win %: 100%.
MILESTONES:
- Willie le Roux will play in his 90th Test match for the Boks on Sunday.
- Siya Kolisi will captain the Springboks for the 50th time in a Test match.
- It will be the third Test match between the Springboks against Tonga. The last time they lined up against one another was at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, also in France, with the Boks winning by 30-25.
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MISCELLANEOUS:
- The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 638.
- There are 254 caps in the backline, with 384 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 354 caps.
- The average caps per player in the backline is 36, the forwards 48, while the players on the bench average 44.
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SOUTH AFRICA’S TEAM TO FACE TONGA
Springboks — 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Grant Williams, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jesse Kriel, 23 Manie Libbok.
