Fiji and Portugal will play in the 40th and final match of the pool phase at Rugby World Cup 2023 on Sunday at 21:00.
Fiji has been one of the standout teams of the tournament, following up a so-near, so-far defeat to Wales with victories over Australia and Georgia to stand one point from quarter-final qualification before kick-off in Toulouse.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui has brought in Top 14 star Vilimoni Botitu as one of six changes to the starting line-up from their last game against Georgia, while second-row Temo Manyanavanua will make his first Rugby World Cup start after three appearances off the bench, and Sireli Maqala earns his first start after just five minutes game time so far.
Fiji assistant coach Glen Jackson sad they have worked pretty hard from day one: "It's one thing we have worked pretty hard on is our culture from day one. This is one of the happiest teams I have ever been a part of. We've virtually played knock-out rugby since the Australia game so it's great to have the balance of still getting some enjoyment from the boys but also the competitiveness in this competition and trying to make sure we win every game to keep our hopes alive. If we look back at the end of this tournament, one great thing we will take out of it is these boys have bought together into the culture."
Patrice Lagisquet’s Portugal, however, will want to sign off from an encouraging tournament with a statement victory, as it is likely to be the final game for a number of those involved.
Tomás Appleton drops to the bench, with José Lima taking his place as captain and inside centre in one of five changes to the starting XV from their last game against Australia. Manuel Cardoso Pinto starts at full-back for the first time since February 2022 against Romania, and Steevy Cerqueira partners José Madeira in the second row for the second time in France.
Portugal assistant coach João Mirra said they will try to control what can be controlled against Fiji: “We will do our best to make it the best memory. We cannot control everything but we will try to control what can be controlled in terms of technical capacities. We do believe in our chances. We have not been always fully satisfied like the ‘almost win’ against Georgia. We need to be more constant over 80 minutes. We want to be in full control and create the opportunity to win while playing great rugby. Every match is important. We want to be up to the standards of the competition and we want the players to appreciate it. We want to stay focused, especially against a tough and physical Fiji team.”
Teams:
Fiji: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 6 Meli Derenalagi, 7 Levani Botia, 8 Viliame Mata, 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 15 Sireli Maqala. 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: 1 Francisco Fernandes, 2 Mike Tadjer, 3 Diogo Hasse Ferreira, 4 José Madeira, 5 Steevy Cerqueira, 6 David Wallis, 7 Nicolas Martins, 8 Rafael Simões, 9 Samuel Marques, 10 Jerónimo Portela, 11 Rodrigo Marta, 12 José Lima (c), 13 Pedro Bettencourt, 14 Raffaele Storti, 15 Manuel Cardoso Pinto. 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.