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.
Simon Mannix's career as Portugal's head coach begun in the best possible way, as the Lobos claimed a win on Namibia's turf, with a convincing 37-22 result.
Three matches are scheduled for Stellenbosch: Ireland vs Georgia (kick-off 2pm local), France vs New Zealand (4:30pm) and South Africa vs Argentina (7pm). Over in Athlone, Wales vs Spain is the opening match (2pm) followed by England vs Fiji (4:30pm) and Australia vs Italy (7pm).
It will be round three in Athlone on July 9 when that fancied duo – last year’s beaten semi-finalists – go head-to-head in an intriguing group that also contains a dangerous Argentina and a little known Fiji.
With the August 28 deadline now passed for the final submission by all 20 teams of their 33-strong squads travelling to France, the names of the 660 players who will be involved at Rugby World Cup 2023 have been confirmed.