Two-time champion Australia has averted elimination from the preliminary round at the Rugby World Cup in France, at least for the time being. The selection of the proud rugby nation defeated Portugal in Saint-Etienne with 34:14 (24:7) and also scored the required bonus point with five tries.
However, the Wallabies, who have already played their four preliminary round games, have to hope for a defeat without a bonus point by Fiji on Sunday next week against the so far winless Portuguese in order to progress.
Group winners Wales (14) are already confirmed as quarter-finalists. They are followed by Fiji and Australia with equal points (10 each).