Revised content:
Key events (Duration: 4 minutes)
– Mawi steals the ball at his own 22, but Bettencourt blocks Botitu’s clearance kick. Marques is penalized for not releasing the ball, relieving the pressure for Fiji.
– Portugal starts confidently, but miscommunication at the ruck allows Mayanavanua to steal the ball. However, Fiji is then penalized for being offside at the next breakdown.
KICK OFF!
– Jerónimo Portela kicks deep to start the game.
Before the match begins, both teams enter the field. Portugal appears lively and acknowledges their fans in the crowd, which is quite sizeable.
It’s important to note that this match is being played in the wake of the sad news regarding the passing of Fiji’s center Josua Tuisova’s young son.
Teams:
Fiji:
– 15 Sireli Maqala
– 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada
– 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
– 12 Josua Tuisova
– 11 Vinaya Habosi
– 10 Vilimoni Botitu
– 9 Frank Lomani
– 8 Viliame Mata
– 7 Levani Botia
– 6 Meli Derenalagi
– 5 Temo Mayanavanua
– 4 Isoa Nasilasila
– 3 Luke Tagi
– 2 Samuel Matavesi
– 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:
– 16 Tevita Ikanivere
– 17 Peni Ravai
– 18 Mesake Doge
– 19 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
– 20 Albert Tuisue
– 21 Peni Matawalu
– 22 Teti Tela
– 23 Iosefo Masi
Portugal:
– 15 Manuel Cardoso Pinto
– 14 Raffaele Storti
– 13 Pedro Bettencourt
– 12 José Lima (c)
– 11 Rodrigo Marta
– 10 Jerónimo Portela
– 9 Samuel Marques
– 8 Rafael Simões
– 7 Nicolas Martins
– 6 David Wallis
– 5 Steevy Cerqueira
– 4 José Madeira
– 3 Diogo Hasse Ferreira
– 2 Mike Tadjer
– 1 Francisco Fernandes
Replacements:
– 16 David Costa
– 17 Duarte Diniz
– 18 Anthony Alves
– 19 Duarte Torgal
– 20 João Granate
– 21 João Belo
– 22 Tomás Appleton
– 23 Vincent Pinto
Feel free to share your thoughts on this match, the pool stages, your love for Portugal, or anything else that excites you via email.
Updated at 20:31 CEST
Preamble:
After more than a month of exciting action since the first weekend in September, the pool stage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup concludes in Toulouse with an encounter between Fiji and Portugal. This match serves as the final game of Pool C and the entire pool stage.
Fiji only needs one point to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face England. On the other hand, Portugal is aiming for their first win of the tournament. The only way Fiji can be eliminated is if they lose without a bonus point.
Nevertheless, it would be well-deserved if Portugal triumphed here. They have brightened the pool stage with their entertaining and courageous rugby. They have proven to be a formidable team, challenging opponents (hello Wales) and should have achieved more than a draw against Georgia. Players like Stortti, Bettencourt, and Martins have particularly stood out.
Fiji is expected to win by a significant margin, but let’s appreciate the exciting play from both teams in this final pool match. Sometimes, rugby truly emerges as the ultimate victor.
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