Unconvincing Wallabies battle past Portugal to keep slim World Cup hopes alive

Australia kept their faint hopes of reaching the Rugby World Cup knockout stages alive with an unconvincing 34-14 victory over minnows Portugal on Sunday.

Tries from forwards Richie Arnold, David Porecki, Angus Bell and Fraser McReight, and winger Marika Koroibete secured Australia a bonus point and a Pool C lifeline, while Portugal hit back through Pedro Bettencourt and Rafael Simoes.

The Wallabies can still reach the quarter-finals if Fiji lose to Portugal next week without a bonus point.

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It was a poignant night for Wallaby prop James Slipper, who broke his country's record for the most caps at a World Cup.

Portugal showed a fearlessness to run the ball from the get-go, even from deep inside their own half.

Despite an early penalty from Australia's Ben Donaldson, Portugal deservedly took the lead when, playing with a penalty advantage.

A slick backs move set centre Bettencourt free on the overlap to dive over in the corner.

Samuel Marques converted but moments later Bettencourt hit his opposite number Izaia Perese with a high tackle and was sent to the sin-bin.

Donaldson missed the resulting penalty but Australia soon made the extra man count with Rob Valetini offloading to lock Arnold to score next to the posts.

Portugal became ragged, giving away possession cheaply and Wallaby captain Porecki punished them again, touching down from the back of a short-range driving maul.

And before Portugal were back up 15 men again, prop Bell launched himself at the line from close in to score Australia's third try.

Once they had their full contingent back, the enterprising Portuguese were again the better side.

Portugal thought they had scored a richly deserved second try but Wallaby full-back Andrew