Fiji ready for 'special day' against Portugal

Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu has played every minute of the Rugby World Cup so far

Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu says Sunday's game against Portugal will be a "special day" with his side needing one point to reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Even a losing bonus point would be enough for Fiji to finish above the Wallabies in Pool C.

"It's a special day for us, it's our final this weekend," Nayacalevu said.

"We're representing the people at home. The struggle they go through to watch us, for that I ask the players to go out and play their hearts out."

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Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has made six changes to the starting XV that beat Georgia, with fly-half Vilimoni Botitu starting only his second game for the nation.

Flanker Levani Botia is the sole survivor from the last time Fiji played Portugal back in 2013.

The Pacific island nation last qualified for the quarter-finals at the 2007 World Cup which was also held in France.

If Fiji do finish second in their pool they will come up against England, who they beat prior to the tournament at Twickenham, in the last eight.

"France is a special place for us, we've got a real deep connection with France," Raiwalui said.

"We're just worried about Portugal. Looking past that would be disrespectful. We know it will be a really tough match."

Portugal lost against both Australia and Wales before drawing against Georgia, in which full-back Nuno Sousa Guedes missed a last-minute penalty to record their first-ever pool win.

Head coach Patrice Lagisquet has made five changes in what will be his final game in charge.

Portugal's regular captain Tomas Appleton drops to the bench while Manuel Cardoso Pinto replaces Guedes to make his first start at full-back in 18 months.

"I want to appreciate every minute, every second because I like all these players and I really appreciate what they've done," Lagisquet said.

"I want to search for the success they all expect and they deserve. I would like to share one more victory or something great one more time with them."

Line-ups

Fiji: Maqala; Ravutaumada, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Habosi; Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Matavesi, Tagi, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Derenalagi, Mata.

Replacements: Tevita, Ravai, Doge, Cirikidaveta, Tuisue, Matawalu, Teti.

Portugal: Pinto; Storti, Bettencourt, Lima (capt), Marta; Portela, Marques; Fernandes, Tadjer, Ferreira, Madeira, Cerqueira, Wallis, Martins, Simoes.

Replacements: Costa, Diniz, Alves, Torgal, Granate, Belo, Appleton, Pinto

Referee: Luke Pearce (England)

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