Rugby World Cup France advance to quarters

France held off a spirited Tonga comeback to win 23-21 and join pool rivals England in the World Cup quarterfinals. Les Bleus lost 19-14 to Tonga in Wellington eight years ago in one of the tournament’s big upsets. This time, Tonga rallied from 17-0 down and a late try from flanker Zane Kapeli brought the score to within two points. But there was only one minute left and France held firm in a game where they had two second-half tries disallowed following a video review. Saturday’s match against England will decide top spot in pool C between two sides with three wins each.

France 23 (Virimi Vakatawa, Alivereti Raka tries; Romain Ntamack 2 con, 3 pen) Tonga 21 (Sonatane Takulua, Malietoa Hingano, Zane Kapeli tries; Takulua 2, Latiume Fosita con). HT: 17-7.