Wales silences Portugal’s ‘wolves’

Portuguese romanticism collided with Welsh realism. Saturday, September 16, at Nice Stadium, the Red Dragons beat the “Os Opus” team 28 to 8. But New Zealand coach Warren Gatland’s men struggled against the 16 team.^H World nation. They had to wait until the last minute to score a fourth try, which is synonymous with an attacking bonus. However, this result puts them in an ideal position in a tough Group B, which also includes Australia, Fiji and Georgia.

Facing a more experienced Leek High-risk rugby, in keeping with the philosophy of their coach Patrice Lagesquet, the former winger of the French national team, nicknamed in his time “Bayonne TGV”.

The Portuguese team also had a very French flavour, with almost half of the Lusitanian squad playing in France, primarily in Pro D2.

The Portuguese Rugby XV’s move did not come to fruition, but it pleased an almost full Nice stadium (35,000 seats) decorated in red for the occasion. If the Welsh played exceptionally in yellow and black and the Portuguese in white (with green shorts), the supporters of both camps were in fact wearing red.

In this match, New Zealand coach Warren Gatland, the coach of the Red Dragons, made thirteen changes compared to the winning Fiji squad on Sunday in Bordeaux. But as happened with France against Uruguay on Thursday, the Welsh second team lacked machinery.

“Things were not pretty, but the contract was fulfilled, after we got ten points from our first two matches, Gatland said in a post-match press conference. We’ve made a lot of changes. A few of the guys were a little rusty. We must admit that Portugal put us under pressure. They moved the ball well and impressed me. »

In fact, the people of Lusitan have no regrets. Caught cold at 9^H A minute of an opportunistic attempt from winger Luis Reis-Zammit, the only “survivor” with third midfielder Tangaki Taulupe of the starting lineup that faced Fiji, the Portuguese quickly recovered to present a first period full of courage and audacity, during which they managed to score several times.

Welsh power

At times, they were outgunned by Warren Gatland’s men, and relied on the strength of their group. Just before half-time, captain and hooker Dewi Leake scored the second try of the match, allowing his team to return to the locker room with an 11-point lead (14-3).

After their energy riot in the first half, would Wolves have held on? Upon returning from the locker room, the game started at a slower pace and some Lusitanians players began to suffer from cramps. Welshman Gareth Anscombe-Tomos Williams, making only his fifth start, was at times poor, leading to a muddled game.

After a series of beats, captain Jack Morgan scored powerfully in the 56th minute^H minute. The fate of the match was decided. But the Lusitanians showed they had a heart. At 63^H In the final minute, Nicolas Martins scored a mischievous effort after a brilliant combination of touch.

The yellow card – which turned red at the end of the match – received by Vincent Pinto a few minutes later for dangerous play somewhat tarnished Wolves’ record. The Welsh then took the opportunity to score in the final minute of the game a fourth try from their third row Taulupe Faletau.

The final score (28-8) is harsh for Patrice Laguesquet’s men, who never fail. “There is pride of course, even if I know they will not disappoint at this level, Patrice Laguesquet announced after the meeting. There is also frustration that our team did not perform to its full potential. We were hoping we could be a little closer. »

Portugal will now face Georgia at Toulouse Stadium on September 23. A nation more accustomed to high international level, albeit in Tbilisi, during the Six Nations B Championship in 2022, the two teams tied (25-25).

“We have proven that Portugal can be at the highest international level, The pavilion is appreciated by Samuel Pinto, the author of the Portuguese article. We will now focus on Georgia, a team we know well and, like Wales, is very physical. »

Looking at the match against Wales, the Lusitanians now have some certainty that allows them to believe in their first World Cup victory. It is a result that will validate the work that Patrice Laguesquet and the care staff have done for four years.

After two wins in two matches, Wales temporarily rose to the top of Group C before the confrontation scheduled for Sunday in Saint-Etienne between Australia and Fiji. The Welsh will then meet the Wallabies on September 24 in Lyon. This match between two former glories in world rugby is expected to be a shocker to Group B.