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Day 19 at the Rugby World Cup: France through to quarter-finals

New Zealand also racked up a convincing win over Namibia.

France booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a 23-21 victory over Tonga.

Les Bleus will now face a shootout with England next Saturday to determine who will finish top of Pool C.

New Zealand stormed to a 71-9 win over Namibia, scoring 11 tries to take firm control of Pool B.

Here, the PA news agency wraps up the action from day 20 in Japan and takes a look at Tuesday's clash between South Africa and Canada.

Picture of the day

France look on as Tonga's players perform the Sipi Tau
France look on as Tonga's players perform the Sipi Tau (David Davies/PA)

Kiwis in control

The All Blacks took time to warm up in Tokyo and at one point were leading only 10-9 against the side ranked 23rd in the world before stretching their legs in the second half.

The world champions won the last 50 minutes 61-0 to move to the brink of a last-eight spot.

Unlucky Tonga

Tonga came close to overturning a 17-point deficit against France
Tonga came close to overturning a 17-point deficit against France (Aaron Favila/AP)

The Pacific Islanders almost overturned a 17-point deficit against France, scoring two second-half tries.

But Les Bleus were able to hold on for the win to maintain their 100 per cent record in the tournament and qualify from the group.

Tonga out-scored France three tries to two, securing a bonus point, and will be looking for their first win of the tournament against the USA next Sunday.

Coming up

  • Pool B, South Africa v Canada, 1115 BST

The World Cup action takes a day off with no matches until Tuesday.

South Africa will look to take an important step towards the quarter-finals with a victory over Canada.

The Canadians have yet to win a game or a point at the tournament, having been beaten 48-7 by Italy and 63-0 by New Zealand.

Springboks ring the changes

South Africa will be looking to secure second place in the group behind New Zealand and coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to his side for the game.

Captain Siya Kolisi keeps his place to get more game time ahead of an expected quarter-final against the Pool A winners, while others such as Cobus Reinach and Thomas Du Toit will be making their first starts of the tournament.

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