Portugal player ratings vs South Africa | July Tests 2024

Portugal player ratings: Portugal’s first-ever outing against the Springboks didn’t end in victory, but the Portuguese showed their fangs and produced more than a couple of spectacular moments. The 64-21 result meant that the Lobos scored three tries in what will be remembered as a memorable day for them.

Simão Bento was a joy to watch, but he wasn’t the only one to make the crowd go berserk, as there were more than a handful of superstars showing up in Bloemfontein.

1. Francisco Fernandes – 5

The 39-year-old loosehead prop had a positive day on the pitch, even after conceding two scrum penalties. His experience helped the Lobos feel more at ease in the game's first stages. Was replaced before half-time.

2. Luka Begic – 5

Started well but as time went by the hooker’s performance started to drop, mainly in his lineout throwing duties, missing three, one of which in the 5-metre channel. His passivity in the contact area was noted.

3. Diogo H. Ferreira – 5

Like Francisco Fernandes, Diogo Hasse Ferreira conceded a couple of penalties in the scrum but tried to correct course with a strong defensive performance with six tackles and one turnover. The tighthead was one of the few Portuguese players to match the physical challenge presented by the Springboks.

4. Nicolás Fernandes – 3

The tall lock was barely noticed in his first start for Portugal, only showing up in the lineout. More than four missed tackles and was brushed aside by RG Snyman.

5. Duarte Torgal – 5

Didn’t have the opportunity to show off his skills as a ball carrier but the lock’s tackling prowess was nothing short of impressive, finishing the game with twelve successful attempts, never backing down from the fight.

6. José Madeira – 7

By far the best player from the Portuguese pack. Gave his all to the Portuguese cause, injecting a positive mindset that kept his teammates 'alive' when the Springboks dominated the physical contest. Scored Portugal’s third and last try to cap things off in the best possible manner.

7. Diego Pinheiro-Ruiz – 6

The young flanker wasn’t intimidated by the Boks and tried to fend off the opposition in every way he could. Even if he missed two tackles in thirteen attempts his impact on the Lobos team was valuable, like Madeira, Ferreira and Fernandes, he was one of the few who withstood the physical gauntlet.

8. Vasco Baptista – 4

It was always going to be a big task to replace Nicolás Martins, but Vasco Baptista failed to bring his A-game. At a certain point was trampled by Lukhanyo Am, missing three tackles out of five attempts and completely brushed away in the scrum exit.

9. Hugo Camacho – 6

It seems Portugal has in Hugo Camacho the next Samuel Marques, as the young scrum half was a non-stop frenzy machine, always looking for a way to catch the opposing side by surprise. The AS Béziers-Hérault new signing was a never-ending battery for the Lobos machine, linking up well with Rodrigo Marta and Simão Bento out in the back.

10. Joris Moura – 4

Had little impact on how the team played out wide and couldn’t show his polished tactical kicking, something that could’ve been pivotal to keep the Springboks away from the Portuguese half.

11. Rodrigo Marta – 5

Twenty meters gained, one clean break, and a couple of defenders beaten, Rodrigo Marta might’ve not had a stellar performance but was one of the best players from the visiting side. Forced to move to inside centre after José Lima’s injury, Marta finished as one of the top tacklers of the game with seven successful attempts.

12. Tomás Appleton – 5

Fought until his last breath and tried to keep his team from falling apart when the Springboks started to pump up the gas pedal. Had a mixed game performance as a ball carrier, conceding a couple of turnovers, one of each resulting in Makazole Mapimpi’s 2nd try.

13. José Lima – N/A

Went out early due to a high tackle from André Esterhuizen. Nothing else to add.

14. Manuel C. Pinto – 7

Manuel Cardoso Pinto always tries to add a bit of spice, and the wing was able to do just that with a couple of spectacular runs that almost turned out in tries. Some skewed kicks, but overall, a very positive outing for the 26-year-old.

15. Simão Bento – 8

It wasn’t a peaceful day out in the back, but Simão Bento was influential and created most of Portugal’s best moments. The fullback assisted José Paiva dos Santos for the Lobos only try and produced some of his side’s best plays keeping the ball alive. A couple of pivotal tackles to stop Makazole Mapimpi from reaching the try area and two turnovers saved the Lobos from a depressing score. Reigned supreme in the air contest.

REPLACEMENTS:

16. David Costa – 5

17. Pedro Vicente – N/A

20. André Cunha – 4

21. Pedro Lucas – 3

22. Domingos Cabral – 7

Seemed more at ease when compared to Joris Moura, pulling the strings like he was a seasoned playmaker.

23. José P. Dos Santos – 8

Came in as an early replacement and had the honor to not only score Portugal’s first try of the game, but as well bag a brace. A night he won’t ever forget.