The Springboks held on for their third straight win after two late Tongan tries in Lens, France, lifted the Pacific Islanders within a score of upsetting the tournament second favorites. In Nantes, Jonny Wilkinson returned to kick 24 points as England rebounded from a 36-0 loss to the South Africans.

South Africa, seeking a second world title after winning in 1995, moved to 14 points to seal the top spot in Group A after running in four tries to secure the bonus point. The Springboks will play their quarterfinal against the Group B runner-up on Oct. 7 in Marseille.

"We probably brought the wrong game plan and we gave them a bit off a sniff," South Africa stand-in captain Bobby Skinstad told reporters. "To be honest, we were lucky to get five points today. We were lucky not to suffer an embarrassing loss or draw."

England will face Tonga for the other quarterfinal spot Sept. 28 after ousting a Samoa team that had trailed by 17 points at the Stade de la Beaujoire before rallying within 26- 22.