Fiji v Portugal: Rugby World Cup 2023 – live

After just over a month of action that began back on the first weekend in September, the opening phase of the 2023 Rugby World Cup draws to a close in Toulouse with Fiji taking on Portugal in the both final match of Pool C and the pool stage entire.

Fiji require a solitary point to confirm their passage to a quarter final match-up with England, while Portugal seek their first win of the tournament. The only way for Fiji go out is if they somehow contrive to lose without a bonus point.

No-one would begrudge Os Lobos a win here, mind you. They have been a beacon of joy throughout the pool, an everyman team playing enterprising and brave rugby – how we all imagine we’d do it given the chance. This was not simple naivety though; they have troubled teams at times (hello Wales), should have had more than a draw vs Georgia, and in the likes of Stortti, Bettencourt and Martins have some of players of the previous weeks.

Fiji should have enough to win by double digits, but just enjoy what both sides offer up as it will be a glorious swansong for the pool matches. Sometimes, rugby actually is the winner.