Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui confirmed his class after his facet had been overwhelmed by Portugal in one of many Rugby World Cup’s greatest upsets. The supervisor entered the victor’s dressing room after the match to supply his congratulations, in a gesture that was praised by the Portugal squad.
In an end-to-end encounter, Portugal ran out 24-23 winners on the Stadium de Toulouse in a historic night time for the nation as they recorded their first-ever win within the competitors. Fiji will nonetheless progress to the quarter-finals of the competitors regardless, and they’ll face England subsequent Sunday.
Portugal seemed set to style defeat as soon as extra in France as they trailed 23-17 late on, however Rodrigo Marta emerged because the hero as he transformed late to show the match on its head and ship supporters right into a frenzy each within the stadium and at house.
Fiji head coach Raiwalui must be certain that his squad can shortly overcome the disappointing nature of the defeat, in addition to bodily recuperate from a gruelling encounter that relied on his group being stuffed with power till the ultimate whistle sounded.
Nonetheless, that was removed from his precedence within the aftermath of the match as he needed to make sure that Portugal had been duly praised for his or her efficiency and personally recommended. Raiwalui entered the victor’s dressing room after the match to congratulate fellow supervisor Patrice Lagisquet for guiding his facet to a historic success, who responded by wishing Fiji the perfect for the remainder of the match.
Raiwalui additionally shook palms with a number of gamers earlier than providing them a present, a bag stuffed with package from Fiji gamers and different memorabilia for the squad to share amongst themselves. The Portugal gamers responded with a spherical of applause, in what was a touching second that has since been shared on social media.
Talking after the match, an emotional Lagisquet stated: “It is unbelievable, the gamers at all times discover sources I by no means count on. The best way they might rating, it is wonderful. Even when we work lots to have the ability to do issues like that, they nonetheless shock me after 4 years. it’s an unbelievable group, an unbelievable group and they’re gamers who’re actually gifted.
“It could not be higher (to depart the match with a win). I’m so fortunate to coach a squad like this one. I’m so fortunate to complete with this victory, it is an incredible second.”