Fiji sneaked into the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, at the expense of Australia, despite slumping to a 24-23 defeat against a spirited Portuguese team who deservedly clinched their first tournament win.
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The Pacific Islanders needed a point to progress and knock two-time champions Australia out in the group phase for the first time in World Cup history.
They managed that courtesy of a bonus point awarded for losing by less than eight points, setting up a last-eight clash with England.
Rodrigo Marta scored a try for Portugal two minutes from time and Samuel Marques converted it to earn his side an emotional win.
Portugal, who played without fear and great attacking intent, also claimed tries through Raffaele Storti and Francisco Fernandes as Samuel Marques kicked nine points from the tee.
Fiji and Australia finished Pool C on 11 points, but Eddie Jones’ side are out after losing to the Fijians.
Wales advance as group winners and will take on Argentina in the quarter-finals.
“We were a bit tight in the context of the game. Created lots of opportunities but we just didn’t throw the ball out to our outside backs. So congratulations to Portugal, they can enjoy tonight,” Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui said.
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His Portugal counterpart Patrice Lagisquet, who took part in two World Cups with France in 1987 and 1991, was amazed by his players as his four-year tenure ended on a high.
“They still surprise me after four years,” he said. “It’s incredible, unbelievable, they always find the resources.”
Deep trouble
Fiji, who scored tries through Levani Botia and Mesake Doge and relied on the boot of Frank Lomani, were in deep trouble when they trailed 17-10 in the second half.
Their superior bench made the difference, however, and Fiji regained the lead with a converted try and a penalty between the 68th and 74th minutes, only for Portugal to produce a late twist.
Both teams played with ball in hand in a lively match that felt more like a Rugby Sevens game.
Fiji drew first blood with a Lomani penalty, but were extremely clumsy, wasting several opportunities with routine handling errors.
Portugal defended well and had several chances in attack, but lacked efficiency and the teams were locked at 3-3 on the scoreboard at halftime after Marques levelled with a penalty.
Fiji were stunned early in the second half when Pedro Bettencourt’s sublime kick was collected by Storti, who crashed over to give Portugal a deserved lead.
Levani Botia scored a try for Fiji from a ruck but he was sin-binned shortly afterwards for a dangerous tackle.
Portugal made the most of their numerical advantage as their forwards drove over the line for Fernandes to touch down.
They ran out of steam, however, and two Lomani penalties gave Fiji a six-point lead before Marta dived over two minutes from time to seal a famous win for Portugal.
(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)
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