Scotland keep World Cup hopes alive with win over Tonga

Scotland sealed a bonus-point 45-17 victory over Tonga in Nice on Sunday to keep their hopes of making the World Cup quarter-finals alive.

The Scots, who lost 18-3 to defending champions South Africa in their opening game, went into the match against the South Sea Islanders knowing that nothing short of five points was necessary to stay in contention in Pool B, the so-called "pool of death" of the tournament.

That was achieved by half-time in a perfect start marred, however, by skipper Jamie Ritchie being forced from the field for a head injury assessment after a tackle by Afusipa Taumoepeau that saw the Tongan winger lucky to escape with just a yellow card.

World number one side Ireland top the pool with 14 points after their 13-8 defeat of South Africa who have 10pts.

Scotland now have five points and will look to bag another five against Romania in Lille on 30 September before a potential winner-takes-all clash against the Irish in the two sides' final pool game on 7 October in Paris.

"To be honest, it was tough out there. The first half hour, I've never been hit like that before," said Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe who scored the second of their seven tries.

"The body will be sore tomorrow. With boys like Finn (Russell), Sione (Tuipulotu) and Blair (Kinghorn) giving me opportunities, it's amazing."

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said he "can't question the effort of the boys, they tried their hardest".

"Scotland are a good side - they controlled possession and territory and that was probably the difference."

Kinghorn almost gave Scotland the best possible start, outstripping the defence in a foot race after kicking into space, but his attempt to ground the ball over the line fell short.

Scotland took the lead moments later,