Fiji vs Portugal

Click on any stream link below to watch the game

 Click on any link in the table above to watch the gam

-------------------------------------------------

In the last group stage match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Fiji aims to secure their spot in the tournament's knockout stage as they face Portugal this Sunday at Stadium de Toulouse.

Fiji has garnered a massive global following during this year's World Cup and needs just one point to advance to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Portugal will be concluding their participation in the tournament with this match.

The Flying Fijians have pleasantly surprised everyone in this competition and could be considered an unexpected contender in the knockout rounds if they can pull off a victory in this crucial encounter. 

Fortunately, no mathematical permutations are necessary for this Pool D matchup because the Brave Blossoms and Pumas' equation is straightforward: win and advance.

Both teams are tied on nine points going into this quarterfinal game after winning their matches against Samoa and Chile but losing to England.

The winner will play Wales in the quarterfinals, and based on their performance thus far, it is reasonable to predict that they will need to significantly improve if they want to advance further in the 2023 competition. Los Pumas' performance in particular has been incredibly disappointing, while Japan has also fallen far short of their 2019 selves.

In spite of a mixed warm-up campaign, Simon Raiwalui's team displayed an exceptional performance in their opening match of the competition. They came agonizingly close to securing a monumental victory against Wales.

Nonetheless, they made up for it the following week by achieving a historic triumph, defeating Australia 22-15 in a Rugby World Cup event for the first time. This firmly positioned them as contenders for second place in the group.

Fiji faced a near-upset from Georgia in their last match. They were trailing 9-0 at halftime but rallied in the second half, with Vinaya Habosi and Waisea Nayacalevu both scoring tries to secure a come-from-behind victory.

Although many might have anticipated Raiwalui's team to win that match, it served as a wake-up call. The Fiji coach will undoubtedly emphasize to his players not to underestimate Portugal as they strive to gain momentum for a quarter-final clash against England.

Portugal entered the World Cup as one of the biggest underdogs. While they're likely to finish at the bottom of Pool C, this placement doesn't fully reflect their performances in this year's competition.

Os Lobos started their tournament with a 28-8 loss to Wales. They came incredibly close to achieving their first-ever World Cup victory but were denied by Georgia, resulting in an 18-18 draw.

Patrice Lagisquet's team couldn't match Australia last weekend, losing 34-14. Nevertheless, they had their moments in the game and will aim to build on the positives over the next four years.

Portugal now aspires to disrupt Fiji's momentum. However, given their losses to the Pacific Islanders in their last two encounters, it appears more likely that they'll have to wait a while longer for that elusive World Cup win.

Vilimoni Botitu, who will be making just his second appearance for Fiji at fly-half, is among the six changes made by Raiwalui in his matchday 23 for this vital game.

Temo Manyanavanua will make his maiden Rugby World Cup start, while Meli Derenalagi, who had a memorable test debut earlier this year, is expected to follow suit. Levani Botia, the sole player that was there for Fiji's 2013 Test match against Os Lobos, has been tremendous for Fiji in this league.

That brought about a matchup with the Wallabies, who put up a valiant fight against the two-time world champions before losing 34-14.

Even though they lost, they should be pleased of their efforts. Simon Raiwalui's team will have to put in a lot of effort to advance to the quarterfinals of the international championship for the first time since 2007.

Even though they lost, they should be pleased of their efforts. Simon Raiwalui's team will have to put in a lot of effort to advance to the quarterfinals of the international championship for the first time since 2007.

After the break, the Islanders continued to control play, scoring more tries through Napolioni Nalaga and Nemani Nadolo. Leal responded with a penalty, but by the 62nd minute, the Islanders had increased their lead to 22-6. In the 66th minute, Nemia Kenatale increased Fiji's advantage with another five-pointer, and five minutes later, Frederico Oliveira scored a consolation try for Os Lobos.

However, the Pacific Islanders would come back stronger and were rewarded in the last seconds of the match when Test rookie Levani Botia, who is still playing for his nation today, came off the bench to score Fiji's sixth try.

The big story coming out of the Fijian camp in the days leading up to this game was that Josua Tuisova, who played against Georgia the previous weekend, did so just hours after learning that his son, who was seven years old, had passed suddenly following a protracted illness. Tuisova's character, which will be put to the test once more against Portugal, was demonstrated by his ability to survive that battle unscathed. This follows the 29-year-old's decision to stay in France and sacrifice everything for his nation, which resulted in his missing his son's funeral earlier in the week. It must have been difficult to make that choice, and perhaps Tuisova will play admirably for his son.

Star openside flanker Levani Botia was without a doubt the game's most outstanding player as Fiji defeated Georgia. In that match, he demonstrated why he is affectionately known as "The Demolition Man" by putting his life on the line for the team and succeeding. Botia is a good defender, a threat at breakdowns, and a strong ball carrier. He will be eager to expand on his performance against the Lelos. After earning his Test debut against Os Lobos in 2013, he will be more motivated to do well against them.

Meli Derenalagi, a highly regarded blindside flanker, will be eager to make an impression on his World Cup debut when he joins him in the back row. The Fijian Drua captain has an excellent all-around skill set, similar to Botia, and he will be motivated to perform well in this match.

Watch out for Rafael Simes, one of Portugal's forwards, who replaces Thibault de Freitas in the run-on side at number eight after excelling for 40 minutes against the Wallabies. Simes concluded with 27 metres gained from five carries because he was a willing ball carrier.

This match holds great importance for the Pacific Islanders, as they only require a bonus point in this game to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. They currently occupy the second position in the pool standings, with Wales leading the table.

The Flying Fijians have brought excitement to the global tournament with their exhilarating style of play. While just one point in this match would be enough for them to advance to the knockout phase, they are determined to maintain their momentum, especially with a potential quarter-final against England on the horizon.

Fiji began their World Cup campaign with a narrow loss to Wales but quickly got back on track with well-deserved victories over Australia and Georgia.

On the other hand, Portugal, their opponents, have yet to claim a victory in the tournament. However, they have shown courage and determination in their matches against Wales, Georgia, and Australia. Their campaign started with a gutsy performance against Wales, where they put up a strong fight before Wales secured a 28-8 win. In their second match, they were unfortunate to draw 18-18 with the Lelos, with Nuno Sousa Guedes missing a penalty attempt in the closing moments of the game.

Manuel Cardoso Pinto will join Storti in the back three and make his first full-back start in 18 months. The 25-year-old enters the run-on side after making an impression off the bench in Saint Etienne's loss to Australia last weekend. With some fantastic offensive runs, he had the Wallabies on their toes. He concluded the game with 51 meters gained from five carries, including a clean break, two defenders overpowered, and an offload. He accomplished all of that in a brief 25-minute spell as Storti's replacement, and he'll want to build on it against Fiji.