Wales vs Portugal Predictions - Portugal to give understrength Wales a scare

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Sep 2023

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Ralph Staniforth 13 Sep 2023

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Get tips for Wales vs Portugal in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday (17:45 SAST)
The Welsh were fortunate in their opener against Fiji
Can Portugal put pressure on Wales?

Expired

Wales to struggle against Portugal (Getty images)

Wales vs Portugal Preview

Wales will be looking to make a vast number of changes to their side that featured against Fiji. They should have a lot more possession in this game but Portugal have plenty of quality. I fancy Portugal to get within the 30-point handicap.

Wales vs Portugal Preview
Head to Head
Wales Form
Wales Injuries & Team News
Portugal Form
Portugal Injuries & Team News

Wales beat Fiji in their last match.
Wales are a tier 1 rugby nation.
Portugal beat the USA in their last match.

Head to Head

Wales and Portugal have never played against each other before.

Wales Form

Wales have been poor for the last two years and came into this World Cup under huge pressure. Warren Gatland has them playing some decent rugby at the moment, and they could be a dangerous opponent later in the tournament.

In their opening World Cup match against Fiji the Welsh were quite fortunate to come away with a 32-26 victory. However, they were superb for the 20 minutes before and 20 minutes after half time.

What will be concerning is how they conceded two late tries to allow Fiji back into and Fiji were a handling error away from running in the winning try after the clock turned red.

Wales did, however, hold on for a bonus point win and a perfect start.

Wales Injuries & Team News

The Welsh will make drastic changes to their side as they won’t want to risk injuries to key players in a game they should win with ease.

Portugal Form

This is Portugal’s first game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup having not played over the weekend. They will be up for this match and should at least keep Wales honest for the first 20 minutes.

Over 80 minutes Portugal know Wales should be too strong for them. Portugal also played very few warm-up games so while they are fresh, they may be somewhat undercooked.

Portugal Injuries & Team News

Portugal will feature their strongest side as they look to make a statement in their opener.

Verdict

Wales v Portugal

I am backing Portugal to lose by less than 30 points.

Portugal +30

Handicap

@-109.89 - 4 Units

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