Fiji head into their final Pool C outing knowing a point against Portugal will be enough to see them into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.
In their way stands a Portugal side who have impressed in only their second World Cup, drawing against Georgia and pushing both Wales and Australia.
Os Lobos’ technical proficiency around the set-piece has given their backs a platform and they will be looking to target the Fijians, especially in the lineout.
Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui has made several changes to his side for the match and they may take time to settle on Sunday.
Portugal have also mixed things up but on an evening when all the pressure is on their opponents, it would be no surprise to see Patrice Lagisquet’s side push their rivals close.
A win for Fiji is 1/33, with Portugal 11/1 and the tie in Toulouse 28/1. Interestingly, should Fiji make a slow start, then punters can get 15/2 on Portugal-Fiji in the Double Result market.
Team news
Fiji have made six changes to their starting XV, with Vilimomi Botitu replacing Teti Tela at fly-half.
Lock Temo Manyanavanua will make his first tournament start after three appearances off the bench, while Meli Derenalagi starts in the back-row.
Frank Lomani is in at scrum-half and there is another change at full-back, with Sireli Maqala also making his first start of the Rugby World Cup.
The big news for Portugal is that captain Tomos Appleton drops to the bench, with Jose Lima replacing him as both inside centre and skipper.
That is one of five changes, with prop Francisco Fernandes, while second-row Steevy Cerqueira and number eight Thibault de Freitas also come in.
The other change comes behind the scrum, where Manuel Cardoso Pinto has been selected at full-back.
Portugal +17.5 @ 6/5
Portugal’s performances have been one of the stories of the tournament, earning plaudits for their play on both sides of the ball, prompting calls for them to be given great opportunities against the bigger nations.
After losing their opener to Wales 28-8, Lagisquet saw his side make history as they picked up their first points in the 18-18 draw with Georgia before going down 34-14 last weekend to Australia.
Interestingly, two of their defeats have come by exactly 20 points and with them on the right side of evens on a +17.5 handicap, they could match it with something to spare.
The winning margin in all of Fiji’s games has been seven points or less, losing 32-26 to Wales, and beating Australia 22-15 and Georgia 17-12.
With changes to their halves, plus questions over their goal-kicking, Fiji might struggle to build a clear advantage and the handicap could prove favourable.
Waisea Nayacalevu Anytime Tryscorer @ 10/11
If Fiji struggle, they may require another moment of magic from their captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
The skipper and his centre partner, Josua Tuisova, have both dotted down twice so far in the competition and are real sources of inspiration for their nation.
Nayacalevu’s score against Georgia seemed to change the game in his team’s favour and in what could be an arm wrestle, the 33-year-old’s innate ability to do something incredible precisely when his side needs it means he stands out as a potential tryscorer.
