While they have yet to take a major scalp, one of the most enjoyable aspects of this year's Rugby World Cup up to this point has been the performances of some of the tier two nations.
The likes of Chile, Uruguay, and Georgia have all impressed in the competition up to this point, pointing towards the ever increasing standards in countries you would not normally expect to compete at the highest level of rugby.
You can certainly add Portugal to that list after their performance against Wales this evening.
Facing a much-changed Welsh side, the Portuguese more than held their own. They were brilliant in the first half, playing some very exciting rugby and being very unfortunate to go in 14-3 down at the break.
There would have been concerns that they would fall apart as the match went on, that was not the case. Despite Wales extending their lead not long after the interval, it was Portugal that provided the most memorable moment of the match.
Viewers blown away by Portugal Rugby World Cup try
We are constantly told how important the set-piece is at the highest level of rugby, especially when it comes to capitalising on attacking line-outs.
The world's best teams are usually the ones who are the most dominant in this area, but it is rare we have seen even those sides produce creativity such as this in the Rugby World Cup.
Midway through the second half, Portugal pulled off a brilliant routine to score their first try of the match. It came close to the Welsh line, where after throwing the ball in, the receiving player feinted to throw the ball one way before delivering it on a platter to a teammate at the front of the line-out. It resulted in a straightforward finish and was one of the moments of the tournaments.
𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐋! 🇵🇹
That is such a clever play! 👏#WALvPOR | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/K3a2W001Ni
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 16, 2023
Sensational stuff.
Understandably, viewers were massively impressed with what Portugal managed to pull off.
Bloody hell. That no look pass off the top of the lineout for the Portugal try was sublime. #RWC
— Mike Bubbins (@MikeBubbins) September 16, 2023
Bloody hell. That no look pass off the top of the lineout for the Portugal try was sublime. #RWC
— Mike Bubbins (@MikeBubbins) September 16, 2023
LOVE that Portugal try!
Prepare to see many, many butchered attempts of that lineout move in your junior leagues this season...#WALvPOR
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) September 16, 2023
Portugal have just scored off one of the fucking filthiest lineout moves I’ve seen in a while.
So simple, so well disguised, what a ball and a try.
Beautiful execution.
— Mike Cooper (RuckedOver) (@RuckedOver) September 16, 2023
Unfortunately, this would prove to be their final try of the game as Wales ran out 28-8 winners after a late try of their own.
Still, this is an example of the innovation that some of the less teams are willing to bring to the Rugby World Cup. That can only be a good thing for the tournament.
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