France survived a serious scare from Tonga to progress through to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Kumamoto.
With the Pacific Islanders evoking memories of their triumph in New Zealand over the French eight years ago, Toutai Kefu's side pushed Les Bleus all the way, falling by two points as France secured a tight 23-21 victory,
France have thus secured qualification for the knockout stages, but another lacklustre showing leaves them looking vulnerable ahead of a Pool C decider against England, and likely quarter-final meeting with Wales. Relive all of the action as it happened below:
Hello all and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this morning's Rugby World Cup clash between France and Tonga.
We'll be bringing you all the live action, reaction and analysis - so make sure to stay tuned!
We'll be bringing you all the live action, reaction and analysis - so make sure to stay tuned!
Good morning all.
The final Rugby World Cup venue makes its bow today, Kumamoto Stadium playing host to a clash between France and Tonga, with Les Bleus seeking a third win that would send them through to the quarter-finals.
Few people will give this struggling Tonga side too much of a chance, but do not forget that 2011 World Cup victory over the French - if you are off your game, the Pacific Islanders can pounce. Kick-off is about half-an-hour away...
Team News - France
France were scratchy and sloppy last time out against the USA. They make eleven changes, with Jefferson Poirot captaining on the looshead.
Baptiste Serin and Romain Ntamack form ANOTHER new half-back partnership, while Alivereti Raka keeps his place on the wing, where he is joined by Clermont Auvergne team mate Damain Penaud, pleasingly over an injury worry.
Team News - Tonga
Tonga stumbled out of the blocks against Argentina, but responded well and had an excellent second half. Toutai Kefu makes just two changes, with Cooper Vuna back on the wing and Ma'afu Fia in for the absent Ben Tameifuna at tighthead.
It is tough to know what to think of France. They were awful in the second half in their opening game against Argentina, and a better side than the USA would have taken them to the cleaners last time out.
But here they are knowing a win takes them through after Argentina fell to England yesterday. Curious. There are still a number of questions over how Jacques Brunel is building his side, and there are a couple of intriguing decisions made in his team today. Sofiane Guitoune starts at 12 but is more of a 13, and he and Virimi Vakatawa form a dangerous midfield, but one that could be a little defensively vulnerable. We'll see how they go...
Tangential to today's game, but check out this try from the French Top 14 yesterday. Should be illegal. Naughty stuff from Bayonne.
What of Tonga, then? They are a relatively tough side to assess after two games, with England and Argentina both too strong despite battling performances. This pack is rather large, and it is in the back five of the pack that Tonga's real strength lies - ball-carriers aplenty, and Sam Lousi is one of the most underrated locks in rugby. He's on his way to the Scarlets next year, so if you are of a Welsh persuasion look out for the sizeable frame of the second row.
Behind the scrum this is a battle-hardened group of backs, with Siale Piatau a consistent competitor and captain in the centres. Telusa Veainu highlighted his importance with two tries against Argentina, and Tonga will be looking to get the ball in the arch-dancer's hands early and often.
Trust me, if France have an off day, this Tonga side certainly can beat them. And the off days come rather often for this mercurial French outfit. We are on upset alert...
Out for the anthems the players wander. Tonga are in their change kit, a white number with red accenting. Rather nice.
The stadium looks completely full on a nice day in Kumamoto. Doesn't look quite as humid as it has been elsewhere in the tournament so far.
Squeezing of the shoulders as France finish their anthem. They are ready/
Sipi Tau time, Tonga in formation, with Sonatane Takulua leading their war dance from the front. Forward they come as the crowd roars, laying down the gauntlet. A couple of the French players smirk. Not phased.
One late change for Tonga, by the way, with Daniel Faleafa in for Sitiveni Mafi on the bench.
1 minute
An efficient exit as Tonga take down a lineout and work the ball back for Sonatane Takulua to box from the back.
Not his deepest clearance, and decent attacking position for France to work from.
2 minutes
Lovely stuff from Romain Ntamack, seeing his outside support marked and dropping the ball onto his boot, prodding a lovely little grubber into the corner to push Tonga back. Lineout, five metres out.
Tonga throw it well, but fail to resource a midfield ruck and allow the mammoth chest of Camille Chat to latch over the top. Holding on, penalty bang in front, and Jefferson Poirot deduces that they should go for the posts.
5 minutes
Tonga have ball in the French half for the first time after Romain Ntamack boots the ball into touch, but can't find too much joy, with France cohesive in defence, not jumping out of the line and surviving some heavy collisions.
Kicked through to Maxime Medard, who clears well, to beyond halfway.
9 minutes
Tonga know they can't give this French side ball in the broken field. They have so many dangerous runners, as Maxime Medard shows with a counter-attack that gains 20 metres. Baptiste Serin nearly slips Sebastien Vahaamahina away and the offload back to the scrum-half keeps the movement going.
10 minutes
Damian Penaud is so good in the air, and he gets up incredibly early and high here to get his hands to the ball above James Faiva, but after injuring himself in such a collision in France's opener it is a little worrying when he initially stays down after falling heavily.
He's alright, thankfully, but has knocked the ball on. Tonga scrum.
12 minutes
Solid first effort from Tonga. France have picked their two best scrummagers at prop, but the Tongan front row holds firm and allows the ball to be cleared.
France look to play, with Alivereti Raka and Virimi Vakatawa released in the open field, but the latter lets the ball slip from his grasp as he tries to wriggle through a tackle on the left touchline.
14 minutes
Telusa Veainu looks up and sees open space, but curiously decides to kick rather than set off on one of his trademark rambling runs from the back.
He chases his kick well and makes a superb hit on Romain Ntamack, and Tonga win the ball at the breakdown! Space on the left, worked wide to Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, but the loosehead knocks on as he tries to launch a wide pass.
15 minutes
Brilliant from France! Sofiane Guitoune scythes through a double tackle and moves onwards with a spin, and something is really starting to build when Tonga manage to slow the ball at the breakdown. Sam Lousi comes charging in to attempt to pry the ball free but he hasn't used his arms in his clearout, and that'll be a French penalty.
Poirot points to the posts again.
What time is it?
France vs Tonga kicks off at 4.45pm Japan Standard Time, which is 8.45am BST, on Sunday 6 October.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast on ITV, with coverage starting at 8.15am. Alternatively, you can live stream it via the ITV Hub on your smartphone, laptop and tablet.
