The ‘Wolves’, who at the 2007 World Cup were still an almost completely amateur team, arrive at the France 2023 World Cup with a group in which around half of the players play in the French professional championships.

Guided by Patrice Lagisquet, who as a player played in the first-ever World Cup final, in 1987, against New Zealand (lost 29-9), the Portuguese arrived at the 2023 World Cup with the aim of achieving their first-ever triumph in the competition.

The Portuguese team was the last of the 20 teams present at the 2023 World Cup in France to qualify.

In the World Rugby rankings, Wales currently occupies eighth place, having risen two positions after the triumph over Fiji, on Sunday, in the opening round, while Portugal is the 16th team in the table.

Wales and Portugal compete in Group C of the 2023 World Cup in France, along with Australia, Fiji and Georgia.

The ‘wolves’ have not yet made their debut in the competition, but the Welsh have already beaten the Fijians, 32-26, on Sunday, while Australia beat Georgia 35-15 the day before.

The Portuguese team will play in the Rugby World Cup for the second time in its history, after its historic presence in the competition in 2007, also in France.

Portugal competes in Group C, in which they face Wales (Saturday), Georgia (September 23), Australia (October 1) and Fiji (October 8).

The France 2023 World Cup runs until October 28th.

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