Tonga has resisted the temptation to rest some of its top players for this weekend’s clash against the Springboks and has made just four changes to its starting lineup.

The Pacific Islanders had the opportunity to make wholesale changes to the side that beat Samoa last weekend and save their best players for their final Pool A match against England.

"We have said all along that we take things game by game and that we will try to win every game," said Tonga coach Quddus Fielea.

"We had some targets when we arrived and realistically you could say that we've achieved that. Anything now is a bonus."

Halback Sione Tu'ipulotu has replaced Enele Taufa in the only change to the backline while there are three changes in the forward pack.

Aleki Lutui has replaced Ephraim Taukafa at hooker, Emosi Kauhenga starts at lock at the expense of Inoke Afeaki and blindside flanker Viliami Vaki comes in for Hale T-Pole, who is serving a one match suspension after being sent off for elbowing against Samoa.

Tonga won its first two games against the United States and Samoa and could reach the quarter-finals for the first time if it pulls off an upset against either South Africa or England.