Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and final score as Wallabies keep faint hopes alive
Australia’s slender hopes of making it to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals survived another round of matches as they huffed and puffed to a 34-14 bonus-point victory against Portugal.
Eddie Jones’s Wallabies, who have now played all their games, will be eliminated in the group phase for the first time if Fiji take a point against Portugal next week in the Pool C finale.
Portugal led 7-3 after Pedro Bettencourt’s early converted try but the centre was then sin-binned for a high tackle and Australia made the most of it by scoring three tries through Richard Arnold, David Porecki and Angus Bell.
Fraser McReight touched down to secure the bonus point shortly after the break, while Marika Koroibete got a fifth with only a few minutes left.
Ben Donaldson added points from the tee as twice world champions Australia, who conceded a late converted try by Rafael Simoes after picking up two yellow cards, climbed to second on 11 points, three behind already-qualified Wales and only one ahead of Fiji.
Follow all the latest from the Pool C match below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here, plus the latest tips and free bets on the World Cup here.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Latest Rugby World Cup updates
FULL TIME! Australia 34-14 Portugal
Wallabies stay alive but will be knocked out if Fiji secure a point against Portugal next week
Try! Bettencourt scores! Australia 3-7 Portugal
Pedro Bettencourt yellow card TMO review for head contact
Try! Arnold scores! Australia 10-7 Portugal
Try! Porecki scores! Australia 17-7 Portugal
Try! Bell scores! Australia 24-7 Portugal
Half time: Australia 24-7 Portugal
Try! McReight scores! Australia 29-7 Portugal
Try! Simoes scores! Australia 29-14 Portugal
Try! Koroibete scores! Australia 34-14 Portugal
Full time: Australia 34-14 Portugal
19:08 , Sonia Twigg
Australia kept their faint Rugby World Cup quarter-final hopes alive after beating Portugal 34-14.
Portugal struck first but the Wallabies took advantage of Pedro Bettencourt’s sin-bin with three tries to put them ahead before Fraser McReight secured the much-needed bonus point.
Australia’s last eight hopes now depend on how Fiji fare against Portugal next weekend.
Ben Donaldson’s penalty put the first points on the board for Australia four minutes in, but Portugal scored the first try of the game as Bettencourt crossed in the corner with Samuel Marques converting.
Australia keep slim Rugby World Cup hopes alive with bonus-point win over Portugal
Full time: Australia 34-14 Portugal
18:47 , Sonia Twigg
We’re into the 84th minute and Australia have the ball back but are still not kicking this into touch.
And that’s the game, it looked like a head collision, but the Wallabies have five points.
They will have to wait until next weekend to find out their fate in the competition.
Australia 34-14 Portugal LIVE: 80 + 3 minutes
18:45 , Sonia Twigg
Well, the ball thumped into the referee as Australia tried to clear their lines, but the 80 minutes is up.
There will be a scrum so we will continue for at least another minute while it’s all set up.
Bizarrely Australia have run this down field, Australia making this World Cup last as long as possible.
It’s been turned over...
Australia 34-14 Portugal LIVE: 80 minutes
18:42 , Sonia Twigg
Some of the quality in the line kicking today has been exceptional, and that last one was no different from Portugal, who have one last chance in this match.
Australia 34-14 Portugal LIVE: 79 minutes
18:40 , Sonia Twigg
Another mention that Australia have never failed to reach the knockout stages of a Rugby World Cup previously.
Australia 34-14 Portugal LIVE: 78 minutes
18:39 , Sonia Twigg
Australia just looking to close out the final few minutes here and hold on to that small chance of qualification.
Australia 34-14 Portugal LIVE: 75 minutes
18:38 , Sonia Twigg
Donaldson misses the conversion! It hasn’t been the best kicking game from him today, but fortunately for the Wallabies it does not matter.
Try! Australia 34-14 Portugal LIVE: 75 minutes
18:37 , Sonia Twigg
Australia have come back with a vengence here and looking to drive forward.
And they have the try! Koroibete put the ball over the line.
Australia 29-14 Portugal LIVE: 73 minutes
18:34 , Sonia Twigg
Into the final part of this game, and it will be interesting to see how Australia come back, after the momentum had all been with Portugal while they were two players down.
Conversion! Australia 29-15 Portugal LIVE: 71 minutes
18:32 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal convert straight through the posts with no trouble.
It might have come too late to get them back into this match but they will be pleased with their second try of the game.
Try! Australia 29-12 Portugal LIVE: 70 minutes
18:30 , Sonia Twigg
Scrum five metres from the line, Portugal have another chance.
Portugal get the ball over the line this time and have the second try!
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 67 minutes
18:26 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal have come close again, some lovely offloads as they edge towards the line.
But so far Australia have stood strong. Portugal have another penalty advantage in the final five or six metres.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 65 minutes
18:24 , Sonia Twigg
Samu Kerevi has been handed a lifeline here, the yellow card has not been upgraded to a red and in a few minutes, Australia will be back to full strength.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 63 minutes
18:21 , Sonia Twigg
Both sides have made over 100 tackles already, it has been a physical fast-paced contest.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 62 minutes
18:20 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal have eight minutes with a two-man advantage and they have to make this count. There will be no better opportunity to get back into the clash.
TMO: Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 61 minutes
18:19 , Sonia Twigg
TMO review for a possible foul by Australia, there looked like a hand to the head.
A yellow card will be shown to Kerevi, and they will be down to 13, Portugal have never had a better chance to get back into this game.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 61 minutes
18:16 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal have a knock on before the offside from Australia and another chance to capitalise is lost.
So much possession, but they have lacked end product.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 60 minutes
18:15 , Sonia Twigg
The review shows the foul was three or four metres away, so there is no penalty try.
But Portugal have another opportunity here with a line out just metres from the line.
TMO: Australia 29-12 Portugal LIVE: 59 minutes
18:13 , Sonia Twigg
Looking at a clear loss of control as the ball crosses the try line, so that try by Tadjer could be ruled out.
That would be a heavy blow to Portugal.
Try! Australia 29-12 Portugal LIVE: 59 minutes
18:12 , Sonia Twigg
Yet another penalty to Portugal, and the captain is getting a talking to. The next one will receive a yellow.
Portugal bundle the ball over the line and there will also be a yellow card for Faessler.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 58 minutes
18:10 , Sonia Twigg
Primary contact on the chest so no yellow or red card, but it must have been a worrying moment for Foketi and from the replays it could be considered more shoulder than chest. A close call.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 58 minutes
18:09 , Sonia Twigg
Australia have been giving away a few silly penalties here, the latest one for a sloppy late tackle without arms.
And I think this one might be about to be reviewed as well.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 56 minutes
18:07 , Sonia Twigg
Another Portuguese attack comes to an end.
The boos rang out against the touchline official, with the crowd believing Koroibete carried the ball over the line, but it was the right call.
Just a few frustrations from the majority of the crowd who are decked out in red.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 55 minutes
18:04 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal go short with their line out and break forward, but Australia win the ball back.
Those in red are just starting to run out of chances to impose themselves in this half.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 53 minutes
18:02 , Sonia Twigg
After all of that pressure, they cannot get the ball over the line however and Australia hold their lines and clear.
Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 52 minutes
18:01 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal are closing in on their second try, Australia have strayed offside, the advantage is with those in red.
They are in the shadow of the posts, but cannot capitalise with a long ball wide. They will have the scrum under the posts however after the earlier advantage.
Conversion missed! Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 49 minutes
17:58 , Sonia Twigg
Donaldson hits one but it rebounds off the posts, it was a tough angle from right at the side of the pitch, but it is still a very healthy lead for Australia.
Try! Australia 29-7 Portugal LIVE: 48 minutes
17:57 , Sonia Twigg
The game has been a bit more fractured this second half and there will be a change already from Australia, Slipper the first player to make way for a tactical substitution.
Australia have a try, McReight the player to put the ball over the line after a brilliant tackle, dummy and offload.
That is the bonus point to Australia and they need to win by four tries to keep their hopes alive.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 46 minutes
17:55 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal caught offside there and they have conceded an additional 10 metres to Australia, who kick into touch.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 44 minutes
17:52 , Sonia Twigg
Storti has run forwards and then across there, showing a glimpse of pace that Portugal have on offer, and they have marginally looked the more promising at the start of this second half.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 42 minutes
17:51 , Sonia Twigg
Koroibete has put in a stunning tackle on Sousa Guedes to dent Portugal’s attack.
That was brilliant from the Wallaby number 11.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 41 minutes
17:50 , Sonia Twigg
We’re back underway for the second half
HT: Australia 24-7 Portugal
17:46 , Sonia Twigg
Just gearing up towards the second half of this contest now in Saint Etienne.
Still a way back into this for Portugal.
HT: Australia 24-7 Portugal
17:40 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the first-half action:
HT: Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE:
17:34 , Sonia Twigg
The ball went forward, the Portuguese defence was solid, and that will be half time in Saint Etienne.
Australia’s lead might look dominant but it hasn’t been quite as simple for the Wallabies, who went behind 3-7 early in the game with Portugal scoring the first try.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 40 minutes
17:33 , Sonia Twigg
Australia have a penalty and they go for touch instead of the points. This is likely to be the final play before half time as we are past the 40 minute mark.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 38 minutes
17:32 , Sonia Twigg
No one can fault the Portuguese fans in this contest, they have been involved from the outset, on their feet at every chance and opportunity.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 36 minutes
17:29 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal thought they had the try! It was a brilliant run forward, they broke the Australian line, but there will be review to see if scorer Nicolas Martins was in touch, and he was marginally over the line.
It was a brilliant lay off and an excellent run, but the tackle from Kellaway was just enough to prevent the try.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 33 minutes
17:27 , Sonia Twigg
Since the numerical disadvantage was cancelled out by the return of Bettencourt following his yellow card, Portugal have been much more involved in this contest, especially going forwards.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 33 minutes
17:24 , Sonia Twigg
Before this tournament Australia had only lost three times in the pools in nine world cups, but they have struggled already this tournament, with defeats to Wales and Fiji.
However, they have a healthy lead here and it’s already looking for a long way back for Portugal.
Although the Wallabies have just lost an advantage almost at the try line.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 30 minutes
17:20 , Sonia Twigg
That has been an intense first half an hour in the game, Portugal had a lead early on with the first try, but since then it has all been falling the way of Australia.
Bettencourt was shown a yellow card and the Wallabies took the man advantage and capitalised.
Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 29 minutes
17:19 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal offload quickly after gaining the advantage, trying to get a foothold back in this game, but Australia’s defence are just sending them backwards so far.
It is almost like a green and gold wall at the moment.
Conversion! Australia 24-7 Portugal LIVE: 27 minutes
17:17 , Sonia Twigg
Donaldson again makes no mistakes and the lead is just extending here from Australia.
Try! Australia 22-7 Portugal
17:16 , Sonia Twigg
Bell is the one to get this one over the line and this is turning into a rout slightly here.
Portugal will be up to 15 after this, but the damage might already have been done, and their defence has been porous to say the least so far.
Conversion! Australia 17-7 Portugal LIVE: 24 minutes
17:14 , Sonia Twigg
Donaldson has had a mixed kicking game so far, but he makes this one with his best kick of the game so far to extend the Wallabies’ lead.
Try! Australia 15-7 Portugal LIVE: 20 minutes
17:13 , Sonia Twigg
This sin-bin period has been prolific for Australia and David Porecki has scored the Wallabies’ second try of the game.
It came after an inch-perfect kick to the corner, and Portugal had no answer for their opponents’ size advantage in the maul.
Australia 10-7 Portugal LIVE: 20 minutes
17:11 , Sonia Twigg
There is good news for the Portugal fans, the TMO check has been completed and it will just be a yellow card because there was not a high degree of danger.
Try! Australia 8-7 Portugal LIVE: 15 minutes
17:10 , Sonia Twigg
Australia have almost immediately made the man-advantage count with their first try of the match and a simple conversion between the posts.
Arnold the man to score the try.
Penalty! Australia 3-7 Portugal LIVE: 15 minutes
17:06 , Sonia Twigg
Australia have missed their penalty, which drifts just wide of the posts but Portugal facing an anxious wait here and could be a man down for the rest of this game.
Australia 3-7 Portugal LIVE: 13 minutes
17:04 , Sonia Twigg
TMO check for a tackle by Portugal try scorer Bettencourt who could be sent off here for a shoulder to the head on Perese.
And he will receive the yellow card while there is a more substantial check.
Australia 3-7 Portugal LIVE: 13 minutes
17:03 , Sonia Twigg
That was a bit sloppy from Australia, they have spilled the ball.
They started quickly with all guns blazing, but Portugal have almost stunned them here and have the advantage.
Conversion! Australia 3-7 Portugal LIVE: 12 minutes
17:02 , Sonia Twigg
That was a brilliant kick from Portugal, it was out almost at the touchline but the kicker has found the gap between the posts to extend their lead.
Try! Australia 3-5 Portugal LIVE: 12 minutes
17:01 , Sonia Twigg
Everything was perfect from Portugal there and with an offload wide they capitalised.
They already had the penalty advantage from the scrum and made it count with the first try of the game.
It was scored by Bettencourt who dived for the line right into the corner.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 11 minutes
16:58 , Sonia Twigg
Could we be about to see an early enforced change from Australia? Potentially not but Nick Frost was down and receiving treatment on his knee for a while there.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 11 minutes
16:57 , Sonia Twigg
Well, that was a bit surprising, a lovely bouncing ball, and the Australian forward could only fall onto the ground behind the line.
A very fluid and promising move from Portugal.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 10 minutes
16:56 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal still looking to make the most of this passage of play which is into the 9th phase, but they are nearing the touchline, with the Wallabies looking stretched.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 9 minutes
16:54 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal now have a penalty after Australia were penalised for not releasing, not close enough to go for the points, but they have the line out inside their opponent’s territory.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 7 minutes
16:53 , Sonia Twigg
A little bit clumsy from Portugal but they have started to find their footing in this game, and they have pace in the back three.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 5 minutes
16:51 , Sonia Twigg
Eddie Jones cutting an unmoved figure, having been subject to criticism from everywhere from the Australian fans.
It has been a blistering start for Australia, having 93 percent of the ball so far.
Australia 3-0 Portugal LIVE: 3 minutes
16:50 , Sonia Twigg
The Australian pack weight works in their favour and they have a penalty in the scrum.
Australia choose to kick for the points, with Ben Donaldson setting up the kick, and they have the first three points of the match.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:48 , Sonia Twigg
Australia have started this game at an intense pace, with a slim slim hope of qualifying still remaining they will want to do everything they can to reach the knockout stages.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:47 , Sonia Twigg
Portugal kick the game off
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:43 , Sonia Twigg
Before kick-off there will be time for both national anthems, with the Portugal team singing their heart out.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:41 , Sonia Twigg
The players are coming out of the tunnel onto the pitch.
Beforehand there were boos ringing around the stadium in Saint Etienne when a photo of Eddie Jones appeared on the big screen
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Australia assistant coach Pierre-Henry Broncan believes the Wallabies’ inability to handle pressure is the cause of their likely early exit from the Rugby World Cup.
Australia will be knocked out of the tournament on Sunday if Fiji beat Georgia with a bonus point after following a defeat to the Pacific Islanders with a poor performance against Wales.
A pool stage exit would represent a major disappointment for a side it was thought might be reinvigorated under Eddie Jones, who returned for a second stint in charge after his sacking by England.
But having cast aside several senior players from his squad for the tournament, and suffered some rough injury luck once in France, Jones appears set to oversee a first ever Australian pool exit from a men’s World Cup.
Australia coach says Wallabies can’t handle pressure as Rugby World Cup exit looms
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli will make history as one of the officials at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The 28-year-old makes his tournament debut and is the first referee from Georgia to officiate at the event.
He is the youngest whistler since Wayne Barnes in 2007 to be appointed to a men’s World Cup panel.
Amashukeli represented Georgia at junior level as a centre, but was forced to retire at the age of 20 after a series of concussions and other injuries.
He was recruited as a referee as part of a new programme to improve officiating standards in the country, developed in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Australia vs Portugal referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Nika Amashukeli?
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:19 , Jamie Braidwood
The Rugby World Cup is hotting up as teams seek to secure their places in the quarter-finals.
The top two nations from each of the four pools will progress to the last eight, with the quarter-finals to be played on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October in Marseille and Paris.
In the event of a two-way tie, the nation that won the encounter between the two teams will progress; in the event of a three-way tie, the nation that finishes with the best points difference will finish on top, followed by the team that won the fixture between the two remaining teams.
Teams receive four points for a win, with a bonus point available for scoring four tries or more. A losing bonus point is received if you finish within seven points of your opponents; a draw is worth two points.
The third spot in each pool is crucial, too – while this will not allow teams further involvement at this year’s World Cup, it will secure automatic qualification for the next tournament in Australia in 2027.
Rugby World Cup permutations: Which teams can qualify for quarter-finals?
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:09 , Jamie Braidwood
Line-ups
Australia XV: Angus Bell, Dave Porecki (captain), James Slipper; Nick Frost, Richie Arnold; Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson; Marika Koroibete, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase; Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Rob Leota, Josh Kemeny; Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Carter Gordon, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Portugal XV: David Costa, Mike Tadjer, Diogo Hasse Ferreira; Jose Madeira, Martim Belo; David Wallis, Nicolas Martins, Thibault de Freitas; Samuel Marques, Jeronimo Portela; Rodrigo Marta, Tomas Appleton (captain), Pedro Bettencourt, Raffaele Storti; Nuno Sousa Guedes.
Replacements: Francisco Fernandes, Duarte Diniz, Francisco Bruno, Steevy Cerqueira, Rafael Simoes; Joao Belo, Joris Moura, Manuel Cardoso Pinto.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
16:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Portugal team news
Patrice Lagisquet makes four changes to his Portugal side, all up front. David Costa earns a first start of the tournament at loosehead, while Martim Belo is back amongst things in the second row. David Wallis and Thibault de Freitas similarly come in to the back row trio.
The backline remains intact after a fine performance against Georgia, with double try-scorer Raffaele Storti again on the wing. 13 of this starting line-up featured in an eye-catching performance against Australia A in a warm-up fixture in August.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
15:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Australia team news
Australia remain without regular captain Will Skelton and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou. Tupou’s absence leaves James Slipper to make history away from his regular home on the loosehead; the prop becomes the most-capped Wallaby in tournament history as he makes his 21st World Cup appearance.
There’s a new centre pairing in the form of Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese, with Samu Kerevi dropped, but Ben Donaldson continues at fly half in a familiar midfield trio that spent last season with the Waratahs.
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
15:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Eddie Jones’ Australia take on Portugal in what is likely to be their final fixture at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Last weekend’s 40-6 loss to Wales marked the Wallabies’ second defeat in a row, and they will be out of the tournament if Fiji take even a point from their final Pool C fixture against the Portuguese next weekend.
It would mark the first time Australia’s men have exited at the pool stages.
They won’t take anything for granted here, either, with Portugal among this World Cup’s most impressive nations, pushing Wales hard for long periods of their opening fixture before drawing with Georgia.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Australia vs Portugal on TV? Channel and how to watch Rugby World Cup fixture
Australia vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup latest
15:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Australia will hope to put a disappointing tournament so far behind them as they take on Portugal in Pool C.
For the first time, the Wallabies are set to go out of the Rugby World Cup before the knockout rounds begin - if Fiji secure even a losing bonus point against Portugal next weekend, Eddie Jones’s side will be out.
Ahead of a crucial period for Australian rugby with a home tournament in four years’ time, the rebuilding begins now with a bonus point victory a must against a Portuguese side that have impressed mightily in France.
Having pushed Wales far closer than most expected, Patrice Lagisquet’s squad narrowly missed out on an historic victory against Georgia and will be confident that they can test their opponents in Saint-Etienne.
Could they even deepen the Wallabies‘ woe? Follow all the latest from the Pool C match in today’s live blog:
