Wales bid to build on Fiji win as Portugal make ‘special’ World Cup return

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A legend of Basque rugby, Lagisquet has, for the past four years, been head coach of Portugal, making their Rugby World Cup return after 16 years away from the tournament. But for Spain being booted out of the qualification process after fielding a player later ruled ineligible, they wouldn’t be here at all – prop Gavin van der Berg’s forged passport earned Portugal a spot in the final repechage tournament, and a tense 16-16 draw with the United States in Dubai last November sealed their tournament comeback. open image in gallery Portugal celebrate scoring a try against Italy during the 2007 Rugby World Cup “Nobody’s expecting Portugal to qualify for the quarter-final, but all of the players want to show they deserve to be at this World Cup and that they can play good rugby.” It is worth setting the expectations here. “You have to respect every team you play at a Rugby World Cup,” Lydiate said ahead of Wales’ second fixture.