The Wallabies have kept their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal hopes alive after defeating Portugal 34-14 this morning.
Portugal had taken an early lead, but Eddie Jones' side ran in five tries to secure a bonus-point win in St Etienne.
Dummy. Pass. Finish. Fraser McReight goes over for a key score in the corner 🔥#RWC2023 | #AUSvPOR pic.twitter.com/xklRs5exFC
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 1, 2023
Australia led 24-7 at half-time and secured a fourth bonus-point try in the 47th minute.
Portugal, who missed a late penalty in a thrilling 18-18 draw with Georgia last time out, again started fast as they hunted for a first World Cup win.
Pedro Bettencourt crossed over in the corner after some deft attacking to put the underdogs 7-3 up in the 11th minute.
🗣️ "The boys dug deep, knowing it could be our last game."
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 1, 2023
Rob Valetini is the @Mastercard #POTM #RWC2023 | #AUSvPOR | #Priceless pic.twitter.com/5bnnZoNyr9
But they were temporarily reduced to 14 men when Bettencourt was yellow-carded for leading with his shoulder on a high tackle on Izaia Perese.
He survived a bunker review, but while he was in the sin bin Richie Arnold, Dave Porecki and Angus Bell all scored a try each to put Australia in control.
Earlier today #AUSvPOR🏉#RWC2023🏆 pic.twitter.com/OWu9ISgFWy
— fijivillage (@fijivillage) October 1, 2023
With this win, Australia is sitting in second place in Pool C with 11 points, Wales continue to lead with 14 points while Fiji is third with 10 points.
Fiji will just need one point from their own match against Portugal next week to overtake Australia and advance to the quarterfinals.
In other results this morning, Scotland thrashed Romania 84-0 and South Africa lead Tonga 7-3.
Source: BBC
Date Time Team Team
