RWC 2023 | Fiji marches into RWC last 8 despite loss to Portugal

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians lost to Portugal 23-24 in a scrappy effort at Stade de Toulouse in Toulouse.

Despite the loss, Fiji marches on to the quarter-finals and will face England next week.

A try in the dying minutes of the game by Portugal’s right winger Rodrigo Marta sealed a first victory for the Os Lobos at the Rugby World Cup 2023.

Fiji failed to put Portugal away and poor handling and kicking cost the Simon Raiwalui-coached side the match.

The side will need to regroup for the big challenge that lays ahead against England.

This will be Fiji’s third RWC quarter-finals appearance after making the last eight in 1987 and 2007.

Captain Waisea Nayacalevu showed the team’s early intentions to get points on any opportunity and Frank Lomani was successful with his first attempt at the posts in the 9th minute as Fiji led 3-0.

Fiji looked to be on top of their game and penetrated the Portugese 22 metre zone but failed to get any points.

Portugal sustained the early pressure and took the game to Fiji.

Portugal finally get their first points after 36 minutes from penalty to halfback Samuel Marques.

The scores remained 3-all at half-time.

Portugal get the first pointsbon the board after right winger Rodrigo Marta scored on a chase kick in the corner. Marques converted from outwide as Portugal led 10-3 in the 45th minute.

Then from the kick-off, Portugal turnover the ball in the Fiji 22-metre zone and fullback Sireli Maqala picks up the loose ball and is tackled in the opposition 22. A few recycle balls later and Levani Botia is over the line. Lomani converts to draw level at 10-all.

Fiji looses Botia in the yellow bin from the next play after a head-on collision with Portugal’s left winger Taffaele Storti .

Then Portugal are up 17-10 from the penalty after prop forward Fancisco Fernandes burges over from close range.

Marques converts the extras.

Fiji beings in the cavalry and replacement prop Mesake Doge is over in the 67th minute after some sustained pressure on Portugal’s line. Lomani converts to draw the scores again at 17-all.

Lomani keeps his 100 per cent kicking success intact with two consecutive penalties after Portugal was caught for offside play and not rolling away from the ruck. Fiji retained the lead 23-17 with four minutes remaining.

Portugal surprise Fiji in the dying minutes after Marta races in the corner for a try. Marques converts for a 24-23 win.