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Portugal stun Fiji but it's not enough to save Eddie's Australia: How thrilling World Cup clash unfolded

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8th October, 2023
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Portugal, whose best result was a draw with Georgia earlier this campaign, need to beat Fiji by eight or more points and keep Fiji under four tries for Australia to get a miracle reprieve and a knockout against England.

Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui has made six changes to his starting XV that defeated Georgia, with two in the forward pack and four in the backs. 

Josua Tuisova, whose son died before the Fijians’ win over Georgia, will start.

“We’ve had some outstanding training, the guys have put their hands up. There have been some bangs and bruises from the last match and a couple of others who have really earned their spots,” said Raiwalui.

“We had a few things to work on after the Georgia game, they tested us in certain areas, especially in the first half. The boys, to their credit, answered those questions. We went back to basics this week.”

Tomas Appleton drops to the bench with José Lima taking his place as captain and inside-centre in one of five changes to the starting XV from Portugal’s last game against Australia. 

“We tried to build the best team possible for this game, to keep competing,” said coach Patrice Lagisquet.

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“We could make another choice, it could be much easier for the staff to give opportunity to all the players of the squad to play during this World Cup. Because this team has shown a big capacity to compete against any team, we’ve decided that we just kept the same line, the same mindset, and tried to build the most competitive team.

“For some players our choices were very difficult to understand because after three and a half months they expected to play, and also because of the mindset they had during this period, they also deserved to play to be honest. 

“Some of the players, we’ve finished their career and they expected to play this last game but we’ve explained why we’ve done these choices, even if it’s very difficult for players to accept and understand when they are not in the 23.”

Game information

Kick-off: 6am (AEDT)

Venue: Stadium de Toulouse

Streaming: Stan Sport

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Betting: Fiji $1.06, Portugal $7.75 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

Fiji (1-15): Eroni Mawi, Samuel Matavesi, Luke Tagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Meli Derenalagi, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Vinaya Habosi, Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu (c), Selesitino Ravutaumada, Sireli Maqala.

Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi.

Portugal (1-15): Francisco Fernandes, Mike Tadjer, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, José Madeira, Steevy Cerqueira, David Wallis, Nicolas Martins, Rafael Simões, Samuel Marques, Jerónimo Portela, Rodrigo Marta, José Lima (c), Pedro Bettencourt, Raffaele Storti, Manuel Cardoso Pinto.

Replacements: David Costa, Duarte Diniz, Anthony Alves, Duarte Torgal, João Granate, João Belo, Tomás Appleton, Vincent Pinto.

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