Portugal will not be ‘pushovers’ at Rugby World Cup, says coach Lagisquet

Portugal clinched the final berth at the World Cup after a 16-16 draw with the USA in Dubai last week, qualifying on points difference after wins over Hong Kong and Kenya

Coach Lagisquet admits they face a daunting Pool C alongside Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Wales, but says the team had already proven their worth against tough teams

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Rodrigo Marta of Portugal scores the side’s fourth try against Hong Kong in Dubai. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 12:30pm, 24 Nov 2022

Portugal will not travel to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France as “pushovers” despite being the 20th and last team to qualify for the tournament, according to coach Patrice Lagisquet.

The former France winger also called on World Rugby to better help teams like Portugal in light of the progression of rivals Georgia, who notched up a historic 13-12 victory over Wales last weekend.

The Portuguese clinched the final berth at the World Cup after a 16-16 draw with the USA in Dubai last week, qualifying with a far superior points difference after previous repechage victories over Hong Kong and Kenya.

They will make their second appearance at the finals – and their second in France, having also qualified in 2007. But they face a daunting Pool C alongside Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Wales.

The USA’s Nate Augspurger runs at Tomas Appleton (left) and Raffaele Storti of Portugal during the game in Dubai. Photo: World Rugby

“We’ve already managed to ‘challenge’ Japan, Italy and Georgia, but we will have a massive step-up ahead,” Lagisquet said. “Wales and Australia are another level again.