The Wolves are out of the woods
For the first time in Rugby history, Portugal will be participating in the final phase of the Rugby World Cup. Against all odds, the Portuguese snatched up the last qualifying ticket and will be one of the competition’s main attractions.
No one expected them to make it through, and yet Portugal’s Lobos made quite a sensation during the qualifying matches for the Rugby World Cup which began in 2004. At the end of their last repêchage match, they had held on to their precious one point lead over Uruguay (24-23) making them the 20th and final Team to qualify. This is a first for Portugal, a footballing nation with only 4,300 registered Rugby players. But it is also a first in Rugby World Cup history, as this is the first ever completely amateur team to compete at such a high level.
Last time, Portugal failed to qualify in 1999 against Uruguay, and is often overshadowed by Spain, its ever improving neighbour. But in 2004, the Lusitanians realized their full potential when they won the European Cup for the first time. Tomaz Morais, their charismatic coach who is considered the José Mourinho of Rugby, has had a lot to do with this transformation. Taking their place in pool C alongside New Zealand, Italy, Scotland and Romania, these hungry wolves have nothing to lose.
Colours : |
Red and white jersey, white shorts, green and red socks |
Nickname: |
Os Lobos (the wolves) |
National anthem: |
A Portuguesa |
IRB World ranking (04/2007) : |
21st |
Rugby World cup record: |
First time participating |
Head coach: |
Tomaz Morais |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards: Joaquim Ferreira, João Correia, Gustavo Duarte, Duarte Figueiredo, André Silva, Gonçalo Uva, David Penalva, Marcello D’Orey, Juan Severin, João Uva, Paulo Murinello, Vasco Uva, Diogo Coutinho Backs: Luís Pissarra, José Pinto, Gonçalo Malheiro, Cardoso Pinto, Diogo Gama, Miguel Portela, David Mateus, Pedro Carvalho, Pedro Leal . |
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