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Portugal into Rugby World Cup finals for the first time

29th March, 2007
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Roar Guru
29th March, 2007
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Portugal Rugby Portugal Rugby

Last Saturday, in Montevideo, the Portuguese Rugby team, the Lobos, made history when the team qualified for the one remaining place in the Rugby World Cup finals to be played in France later this year. It is the first time that Portugal has qualified.

In Lisbon two weeks ago, the first leg was contested and, at home, Portugal beat Uruguay, 12-5, with all the points being scored in the second half. It was a 2 tries to one victory and both Portuguese tries came whilst a Uruguay player was in the sin bin.

The second leg was played on Saturday in Montevideo and Portugal had to win or lose by less than seven points to proceed to the finals. Uruguay, despite having a player red carded (sent from the field) after 15 minutes for violent play, won scoring two tries to nil for an 18-12.

This meant that although each side won a game, Portugal was through the October Rugby World Cup in France. with a 24-23 aggregate. The team has been placed in Pool C with New Zealand, Scotland, Italy and Romania. This is a hard pool but the Lobos will be keen to show their ability and the determination that has marked their performances in recent European championships.

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