Match News and Current Form
This will be Portugal’s first match since mid-March when they lost the Rugby Europe Championship Bronze Final 7-21 to Romania. That followed a 31-42 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals earlier in the month with both matches taking place at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor.
Prior to those losses, the Wolves had won three in a row to finish top of Pool B with a 100% record but head coach Simon Mannix knows this may have to be a learning experience for his side ranked 18th in the world.
After a 34-5 win against Georgia last Saturday made it eight victories from their last nine games (L1), interim coach Paul O’Connell announced five changes to Ireland’s XV for this weekend’s fixture. But five soon became six after centre Jamie Osborne was called-up to the British and Irish Lions squad with Hugh Gavin, originally a replacement, stepping up to win his first cap.
He’ll be joined by wing Shayne Bolton and back row Alex Kendellen who also make their debuts in this game, while number eight Cian Prendergast comes back into the side following illness last week.
Head-to-Head History
This is the first H2H between the sides.
Hot Stats and Streaks
• Portugal have lost three of their last five games on home turf (W2).
• Portugal were behind at half-time before going on to lose their last two matches.
• Ireland have won each of their last five away games.
• Ireland have scored 39+ points in only one of their last 20 matches (W15, L5).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Fullback Simão Bento scored two tries in Portugal’s home win over Germany earlier this year and finished the Pro D2 season with a try in each of his last three games. Tommy O'Brien had a brilliant start to his international career last Saturday with two tries in the opening eight minutes of his debut and he’ll be aiming for a repeat in Lisbon!
Portugal have no major absentees but the same can not be said for Ireland who have now lost 17 players to the Lions and are without Jacob Stockdale who injured his shoulder in Tbilisi.
Betting Analysis
After beating Georgia, ranked 11th, by 29 points last Saturday, Ireland should see this contest as an opportunity to win by a larger margin. Therefore, backing Ireland to win by 40+ points looks an attractive selection.