The rise of Portugal’s ‘unpredictable’ rugby side hoping to stun Scotland

Scotland face Portugal at Murrayfield on Saturday in their third Autumn Nations fixture after their valiant effort against the Springboks . This weekend is perceived by some Scottish fans as an exercise in squad development. But for one Tier 2 rugby nation, it is the opportunity to show they can compete with the best as they continue developing on the world stage.

Portugal’s rise to prominence seemingly came from nowhere, marked last year by an unprecedented World Cup victory over Fiji, which was one of the highlights of the tournament in France. They reached a record high of 13th in the world rankings as a result, a far cry from the lows of 30th in 2016. But after their first defeat to the USA in three years last weekend, Portugal head coach Simon Mannix knows he has a huge task on his hands consolidating upon that growth.



“We weren’t beaten, we lost it,” Mannix tells i . “This is all part of a challenging and interesting process of a massive rebuild. “Because if you look at that World Cup squad, the heart was ripped out with key decision-makers now gone.

” Rodrigo Marta, who is his country’s record try scorer, and Rafael Simoes will be two notable absentees – among others – but scrum-half Samuel Marques could be their shining light as he makes his first appearance this year. “His presence in the team will be a positive one,” according to Mannix, after Marques became something of a Portuguese cult hero following his exploits in France. Read Next The Springbok out to pile misery on England - just don't call him an 'enforcer' French-born Marques has played his rugby in the Pro 14 or Pro D2 since his debut for Pau in 2009, playing also for Albi, Toulouse, Brive, Carcassone and most recently Beziers.

A reliable boot from the tee, he is a kicking scrum-half in a traditional Gallic mould. New Zealander Mannix has a host of talent at his disposal with many plying their trade in France such as Pro D2’s leading try scorer and now national team debutant Lucas da Silva. The head coach believes this weekend’s fixture will provide “an incredible opportunity to let young talent grow and build depth,” as eight of his 45-man squad are uncapped.

“If we want to be consistent at this level, we have to show up at international games and show that Portugal can compete,” he says. “Despite what other teams have access to, we have to show we can compete even with our limited resources.” The former All Black is no stranger to taking over teams at challenging times, having previously worked for Singapore and as head coach of French second division Pau and Biarritz, and he hopes to lean on that experience.

“The transition has been far from fluid by my standards, but the experience and relationships in French rugby will be good going forward as it will be a balancing act,” he says “We have to juggle not only player schedules but their work and studies, these boys have to sacrifice a lot to develop and perform.” The odds seem stacked against Portugal, having come up against Scotland twice before, with both games ending in defeat for Os Lobos. But both teams are now under different leadership – Stafford McDowall captains the Scots for the first time on Saturday.

An injury-hampered Scottish squad features 14 changes from last weekend. Tom Jordan is the only player to retain his place from the team that started the 32-15 defeat against South Africa. Nineteen-year-old Freddy Douglas could make his Scotland debut from the bench, and would become Scotland men’s youngest debutant since Donald White in 1963, having never played a competitive game at club level.

Crazier things have happened than a famous upset here. Putting in a strong performance against Scotland will be key to this rebuilding phase even if it does not mean leaving Murrayfield victorious. “Portugal are unpredictable in their decision-making and against Scotland they will have to take risks,” RugbyPass journalist Francisco Isaac tells i .

“It will be difficult against Scotland, so it will be about putting on a good performance rather than a win. “This is a time when rugby is on the minds of the young people of Portugal and their success is having a great effect.” Potential for a famous win in Murrayfield has never been higher –and would be rocket fuel to a rugby nation on the rise.

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