Wales, with a largely overhauled team, snatched the offensive bonus at the last second against an exciting Portugal (28-8) on Saturday in Nice, a point which could count against Australia and Fiji in the race for the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup.
The Lobos (wolves) had announced as the second World Cup in their history approached, after that of 2007, already in France, that they wanted above all to give a good image to Portuguese rugby. It’s done. Crazy throws from their 22 meters, passes after contact in abundance, well-felt kicks… With great enthusiasm, the electric fullback Nuno Sousa Guedes and his teammates tied the game in the first half with the usual understudies Welsh.
The Leek XV, superior in the physical challenge, still saved appearances with a strong try just before the break from its hooker and captain Dewi Lake. Winger Louis Rees-Zammit, already the author of a try during the epic victory against Fiji (32-26), added another to his tally at the start of the match, celebrated in the style of a footballer… Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.
With two successes in two matches, Wales provisionally climbs to the top of Group C before the clash on Sunday in Saint-Etienne between Fiji and Australia, which it will meet next week. Portugal will aim for a first success in the World Cup on September 23 in Toulouse against Georgia.
