Australia’s World Cup dream has come down to the wire, with Portugal almost pulling off the miraculous result that would’ve seen Eddie Jones’ side do their own Steven Bradbury.
Rodrigo Marta would prove the hero for Portugal with two minutes to go as they claimed a shock 24-23 win. However, it wasn't enough for Australian fans as Fiji snuck into the quarter-finals on a tiebreaker thanks to their win last month in Saint Etienne.
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Wallabies fans had their moments to dream as both teams played out an entertaining game that had everything.
It was 3-all at half-time before breakout star Raffaele Storti dived over in the corner just after the break.
As soon as Australians woke up and had a chance to check the score, the Fijians responded via Levani Botia, completing a 14-point swing after a Portugal break from the kick-off.
Botia’s yellow card minutes later for a high shot reignited the hope, with prop Francisco Fernandes burrowing over from short to give them a seven-point lead.
Marta's 78th-minute try put the Portuguese back in front, who rightfully kept the ball in close and kicked it out for the win.
Credit must go to Os Lobos, who played the style of Rugby that delights fans of all ages.
It’s rare to see a team end up as the fan favourite against Fiji but when you have hookers like Mike Tadjer nailing 40+ metre kicks, it’s tough to compete with.
Players like Storti deserve to be playing the game at a higher level than the second division of France.
They play with a free spirit and electricity that can’t be taught and deserved the victory.
If it's not happening already, there needs to be work done to further their exposure to quality opposition in the future.
It leaves Australian fans asking what could've been if Georgia managed to score late last week against Fiji.
But this is now Fiji's time to shine, who will need to find the form that rattled the Australians if they wish to compete with England.
But they’ll take confidence from their performance in August, upsetting the English on home soil.
Owen Farrell’s inclusion is big for the English. If Fiji can limit his influence, they have all the tools to make it to their first semi-final.
