Portugal Qualifiers as Repechage 1 for RWC 2007

2007 is Portugal's first visit to the RWC finals and they were very much the surprise package as they ousted Uruguay by one point over the 2 leg repechage 1 to take the final spot in France 2007. The Portugal National Rugby Union Team, played their first international against Spain in March 1935, losing narrowly 5-6. Portugal who very much play second fiddle to football have a growing support base and play most of their home games at Lisbon’s Estadio Universitario de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.

No Wins in Pool 'C'

Portugal whose nickname is os lobos, the wolves, is a third tier rugby union side. Having started on the route as surprise winners of the 2003-4 European Nations Cup, losing only one match on the way. They have continued to record impressive results, with qualification the icing on the cake. We cannot see them winning any games in France pool 'C', against Italy, New Zealand, Romania and Scotland. Their best chance will undoubtedly be against Romania.

Portugal News

Romania team versus Portugal - Sorin Socol is dropped to the bench and Romania have a new skipper Ovidiu Tonitafor the game against Portugal

Joaquim Ferreira Captains Portugal versus Romania - Hooker Joaquim Ferreira will captain Portugal in the absence of Vasco Uva for their Pool C finale against Romania in Toulouse on Tuesday

Portugal Versus Italy News - Portugal head coach Tomaz Morais has announced his team to play Italy in their IRB Rugby World Cup Pool C match at Parc des Princes, Paris on Wednesday

Troncon Ton Up Versus Portugal - Italy head coach Pierre Berbizier has named his team to play Portugal in the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool C match at Parc des Princes, Paris on Wednesday

Henry makes 11 changes for Portugal on Saturday - New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made 11 changes to the team which thrashed Italy 76-14 for Saturday's game against Portugal at the Stade Gerland in Lyon, KO 1200 BST