The Rugby World Cup in 2023 was one of the most exciting editions of the tournament, with huge stories throughout the knockout rounds.
The quality of the matches in the quarterfinals and semi-finals gained huge attention from across the world, with the first half between France and South Africa labelled by many as the greatest opening 40 minutes of any rugby match in history.
However, one of the most significant goals of any World Cup is to highlight the opportunities for emerging nations on the global stage, and that was no different in 2023, with a number of nations taking their opportunity with both hands. But, few teams enjoyed as many plaudits as Portugal.
Portugal’s Memorable 2023 World Cup
For many nations, achieving World Cup glory is the mission that is set out before the start of the tournament, but for others, it is for showcasing that the sport has a future within their nation. For Portugal, it was certainly the latter, as the national side wanted to show that the sport could continue to grow in the nation, as more players look to pursue a career within rugby.
Portugal were among the most exciting teams to watch at the World Cup this year, as they played an expansive and knowledge game that few other minnows play.
Only a few players from their team play professionally, with one of the most notable ones being Pedro Bettencourt, who plays in Union Sportive Oyonnax. You can pick him for your top 14 fantasy rugby team here: https://www.oval3.game/
They were never deterred when coming up against the elite powers at the competition, evident from the fact that they were able to hold their own against Wales and Australia in the pool stage. However, few rugby wins will be remembered longer than their maiden triumph against Fiji on the final matchday.
Portugal’s First Ever Win
By the time that the final matchday got underway, Portugal’s exit from the competition was already assured. However, the team wanted to ensure that they created a lasted memory that would remain etched in Portuguese rugby history forever. In Toulouse, they were able to achieve that feat, as they recorded a history-making victory over Fiji in their final pool stage match.
It was the manner of their victory that engrossed the attention of rugby neutrals across the world, as they battled to a 24-23 win against one of the emerging powers in the sport. Portugal continued to battle into the closing stages, despite Fiji looking as though they had edged over the line.
Rodrigo Marta was the star on the night, as he took the ball over the line to score a history-making try for the Portuguese. Still, Samuel Marques needed to remain calm for his kick-for-destiny, as the conversion was completed from a very missable range in a fever pitch atmosphere. The victory was Portugal’s first ever win at the World Cup, and ensured that they finished fourth in the Pool C standings.
Could Portugal Enter Six Nations?
Portugal’s historic win at the World Cup effectively re-opened the debate that there should be a clearer passage to the top table in European rugby, with the Six Nations having been closed off to tier 2 countries that are looking to further the game. However, the vast majority of fans believe that the Six Nations is in need of a shake-up, and rewarding European sides for their performances by allowing entry to the major European competition could ensure that the secondary tier nations are able to improve their quality by coming up against the very best.
World Rugby was very quickly to get involved in the discussion, as they announced that they are looking to enable the prospect of second tier nations coming up against the tier one countries on a more regular basis. Portugal’s strong showing at the tournament, coupled with Italy’s poor efforts, have only added to the argument that a relegation/promotion format could benefit all teams involved.
However, Six Nations organisers are unlikely to entertain the idea of the format change, especially in the case of Italy, who wouldn’t want to drop into the Rugby Europe Championship. World Rugby did continue with their pledges, as they announced that financial aid and help coaching would rank high on the agendas, which could give nations such as Portugal and Georgia a better chance of performing when they come up against Tier One nations in the future.
Future Of Emerging Rugby Nations
There has been evidence of a shift in international rugby in recent months, with a number of emerging nations threatening to gate crash the party. It was also evident in 2019, as Japan held their own against South Africa and New Zealand in their home World Cup.
Other nations are also continuing to progress on the international stage, with Fiji defying expectations to eliminate Australia to reach the last eight at this year’s World Cup, while Argentina reached a second World Cup semi-final in four years before falling to New Zealand.
