3. Portugal (4 Matches)
Portugal have the opportunity to record their first Rugby World Cup victory this year, as they are set to make their return in Pool C at the 2023 competition. Having only previously competed at the 2007 tournament, Portugal are yet to record a win and took four straight losses in France. Things may be different the next time ‘The Wolves’ head to the home of Les Bleus some 16 years later.
Back in ’07, the Rugby World Cup had already been expanded to 20 teams, so despite only appearing at the one competition Portugal appear higher on this list. ‘Os Lobos’ lined up against the All Blacks, Scotland, Italy and Romania, with all eyes set on Romania to record their first Rugby World Cup victory.
As expected, Portugal were well-beaten by Scotland, who ran in a heavy 56-10 score-line. However, heading into the match with Italy there was excitable expectations as a strong performance could well ignite the conversation against the ring-fenced Six Nations. Italy’s comfortable 31-5 win squashed the claims, with the discussion fizzling out until the international rise of Georgia.
Then came the feared run in against the All Blacks, with no expectations on Portugal besides keeping the score-line respectable. 16 All Blacks tries for a 108-13 final score saw this to not be the case, but the Portuguese dusted themselves off and prepared for the all-important battle against European Championship rivals Romania. The Romanians were able to come from behind to beat Portugal 14-10 in the final Pool Stage match, as Marius Tincu and Florin Corodeanu’s tries secured Romania’s victory.