WOW! what a sport. So right here we’re, final sport of the RWC Pool matches and one which most individuals anticipated to go along with a straightforward win to Fiji that will consign the Wallabies to be out of the RWC. Now we all know hope just isn’t a planning device, however all of us simply had that little little bit of it in us. Might this be the upset of the match, and will it’s sufficient to get the Wallabies by?

Properly, it virtually was! Portugal successful 24 to 23 with a conversion within the final minute of the sport. Sadly, not sufficient to maintain us within the taking part in area as Fiji obtained the dropping bonus level that takes them by to the quarter finals. However the sport was nonetheless an enormous upset and one which demonstrates simply why this sport of rugby is so good and why we have to see extra of a few of these decrease groups play towards the higher-level groups.

The Groups

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui made six adjustments to his beginning XV that defeated Georgia, with two within the ahead pack and 4 within the backs. 
•    Second-row Temo Manyanavanua made his first Rugby World Cup begin after three appearances off the bench at this match.
•    Meli Derenalagi made his Rugby World Cup debut after making his take a look at debut earlier this yr towards Samoa. 
•    Vilimoni Botitu wore the quantity 10 jersey for under the second time.
•    Sireli Maqala who has performed simply 5 minutes at RWC 2023, obtained his first begin at this match. 
•    Captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Teti Tela are the one two Fijians to have performed each minute of RWC 2023 thus far. 

Portugal head coach Patrice Lagisquet made 5 adjustments to the beginning XV from their final sport towards Australia.
•   Tomas Appleton drops to the bench with José Lima taking his place as captain and inside-centre in one in every of 5 adjustments to the beginning XV from their final sport towards Australia. 
•    Francisco Fernandes began at loose-head prop after taking part in 26 minutes off the bench final weekend.  
•    Steevy Cerqueira partnered José Madeira within the second row for the second time at RWC 2023 after their draw with Georgia. 
•    Rafael Simões changed Thibault de Freitas at number-eight after approaching at half-time final match.
•    Manuel Cardoso Pinto began at full-back for the primary time since February 2022 towards Romania. He has performed simply 24 minutes off the bench at RWC 2023

The Match

This match was an eye fixed opener from the primary minute. Fiji making uncharacteristic errors with the ball in hand and Portugal attacking at each play disrupting the Fijians and inflicting them to hurry passes and kicks and with this got here a scarcity of accuracy that performed into Portugals palms. The primary half was a battle of attrition with Fiji sinking into their sport of previous, nevertheless it not fairly understanding for them. Portugal was vastly disruptive and got here inside an inch of a attempt however a knock on from the Portugal wing as he dived for the ball.

With solely a penalty every and the rating locked in at 3-3 at half time the Portuguese have been beginning to imagine, and Fiji have been needing to alter their plan. The 2nd half began with a roar as firstly Fiji did not take an up and underneath from Marques and after a sensible little kick by, wing Raffaele Storti outpaced the Fijians to attain Portugal’s opening attempt. 

Then in a sport plan I actually didn’t choose, the props from each side got here to the fore. Firstly, for Portugal with Francisco Fernandes compelled his method over whereas Botia was within the sin bin after which for Fiji to degree by their prop Mesake Doge, additionally crossing the attempt line from shut vary. Two late Frank Lomani penalties seemed as if they’d ended the sport with Fiji successful just for Marta’s late attempt to Samuel Marques’s nail-biting conversion on the dying giving Portugal a historic victory.

Fiji progress in second place behind Wales in Pool C due to their dropping bonus level.

The Sport Changer

For me the sport changer was that first attempt within the 2nd half. This attempt actually put the Fijians on edge and whereas they actually responded with some nice play, the Portuguese defence was as much as the problem.

The Man of the Match/Standout Participant

The official MOTM was Portugal No 7 Nicolas Martins and it’s not a choose I can argue with. I additionally thought their 10 Jerónimo Portela performed very properly, and it was his kick reclaim that obtained them in place for his or her first attempt.

For Fiji their 9 & 10, Frank Lomani  and Vilimoni Botitu performed properly however have been let down with poor dealing with and a collection of errors that price them the sport.

Conclusion

Whereas not the outcome that each Wallaby fan hoped for, and did nothing to alter the pool outcomes, this was a improbable match that actually demonstrated the best way rugby can look so great when it’s performed properly by groups who simply wish to play. This sport and the outcome meant a lot to the gamers and supporters and justified the inclusion of Portugal into this match. I feel it additionally goes some strategy to justifying the enlargement of the match with swimming pools of 6 groups for the tournaments going ahead.