Despite a 24-23 loss to Portugal, Fiji managed to secure a spot in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. This marked Portugal’s inaugural victory in the tournament, resulting in Australia’s elimination on Sunday. The Pacific Islanders only needed a single point to advance, thereby ousting the two-time champions, Australia, in the group stage for the first time. They accomplished this by securing a bonus point for losing by less than eight points, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash with England.
In the final moments of the match, Rodrigo Marta scored a crucial try for Portugal, which was converted by Samuel Marques, sealing an emotional triumph for their team.
Portugal played with boldness and a strong attacking strategy, leading to tries by Raffaele Storti and Francisco Fernandes. Samuel Marques further contributed with nine points from successful kicks.
Both Fiji and Australia ended Pool C with 11 points, but Eddie Jones’s team was ultimately eliminated due to their loss against Fiji.
Wales secured their spot as group winners and are set to face Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui commented, “We were a bit constrained during the game. We created numerous opportunities but failed to utilize our outside backs. So, congratulations to Portugal; they can savor tonight.”
Patrice Lagisquet, the Portugal counterpart who participated in two World Cups with France in 1987 and 1991, expressed his amazement at his players as his four-year tenure concluded on a high note. “They continue to astound me even after four years,” he remarked. “It’s truly incredible, almost unbelievable; they always manage to find the reserves.”
Fiji, with tries scored by Levani Botia and Mesake Doge and aided by Frank Lomani’s accurate kicking, found themselves in a precarious situation as they trailed 17-10 in the second half.
However, Fiji’s bench strength ultimately proved pivotal. Between the 68th and 74th minutes, they executed a converted try and a penalty, reclaiming the lead, only for Portugal to stage a late comeback.
Both sides exhibited a lively, ball-in-hand style of play, reminiscent of a Rugby Sevens match.
Fiji struck first with a penalty from Lomani, but their execution was marred by a series of handling errors, squandering several scoring opportunities.
Portugal displayed solid defense and had their own attacking moments, but lacked the efficiency needed to pull ahead. The teams entered halftime with the scoreboard locked at 3-3, thanks to Marques’ successful penalty kick.
In the early stages of the second half, Fiji found themselves in shock as Pedro Bettencourt’s exceptional kick was skillfully gathered by Storti, who powered through to secure a well-deserved lead for Portugal.
Although Levani Botia managed to score a try for Fiji from a ruck, he was subsequently sin-binned for a dangerous tackle.
Taking full advantage of their numerical superiority, Portugal’s forwards executed a powerful drive over the line, allowing Fernandes to make a crucial touchdown.
However, Portugal eventually lost momentum, and two penalties from Lomani propelled Fiji into a six-point lead. With just two minutes remaining, Marta made a decisive dive to clinch a historic victory for Portugal.
