Wales targets Portugal amidst stunning nice scenery at Rugby World Cup

Posted by Eticketing.co on September 16th, 2023

Wales well-deserved victory in the opening Rugby World Cup match against Fiji in Bordeaux last weekend. Warren Gatland's side could have taken some time to savour their success. However, this change in scenery hasn't altered the wales’ determination. Despite the serene surroundings, their focus remains unwavering.

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Wales has experienced a noticeable shift in pace this week transitioning from the bustling streets of Bordeaux to the relaxed ambience of Nice and the Cote d'Azur. While the electric scooters that buzzed around Bordeaux's busy streets found their counterparts on Nice's expansive. And picturesque seafront Promenade des Anglais, there's a more tranquil way of life on display.

The victory against Fiji was a thrilling affair with Wales clinging on after a ferocious Fijian fightback making it a memorable match. However, their attention swiftly shifted towards the upcoming challenge against Portugal and the change of location to Nice.

Fly-half Dan Biggar issued a warning immediately after the game emphasizing the need for focus in a place as tempting. As Nice which could easily transform into a holiday destination. Despite Dan Biggar not being in the playing lineup due to a back injury, the Toulon fly-half is well-acquainted. With this beautiful part of the world having moved to the south of France in 2022.

The Welsh squad remains firm to focus on their task in Rugby World Cup

He understands how a relaxed atmosphere can affect one's mindset. Wales also has prior experience, having spent a couple of weeks in Nice during recent Six Nations campaigns. Stunning Monaco is just a stone's throw away the nice port harbours luxury boats worth millions of pounds. The Welsh squad has been enjoying the Mediterranean Sea on the inviting beaches, soaking up the September sun.

The week has been dominated by sunshine but there's a forecast of rain on Saturday. Both Wales and England fans have started arriving in Nice with Steve Borthwick's team facing Japan. Consequently, there will be a late summer holiday vibe in the French Riviera this weekend blending Anglo-Welsh enthusiasm.

The Welsh squad remains resolute in their determination to focus on their mission rather than succumbing. To the allure of pleasure determined to avoid becoming a major Rugby World Cup upset story. The Fiji match had been on Wales’s RWC radar since the draw was made. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Wales Rugby World Cup Tickets from our website.

Gatland's squad recognized that defeating this formidable opponent would put them on course for the quarter-finals. While they had moments of hanging on during the closing stages, Wales completed the job even securing a bonus point in the process.

Wales is poised for another five-point victory against Portugal positioning themselves for a crucial clash with Australia just eight days later. If Fiji manages to defeat the Wallabies in Saint-Etienne Wales would be in control of Group C. Warren Gatland's demeanour radiates belief and confidence.

Gatland has made important deviations to his starting squad

Despite acknowledging a tense final 10 minutes against Fiji, Wales' 32-26 triumph immediately sent a powerful message in their pursuit of topping Pool C. Gatland is on the brink of a significant Rugby World Cup 2023 coaching record if Wales secures victory. It would mark his 16th win in his fifth tournament spanning four RWC with Wales.

And his 1999 stint with Ireland put him on par with Australian coach Eddie Jones in terms of tournament victories. Gatland's track record includes semi-final appearances in 2011 and 2019 flanking a quarter-final entry in 2015. He appears determined to replicate if not surpass, the performance from four years ago in Japan. While it's still early days the initial signs are promising.

Gatland has made significant changes to his starting lineup with 13 alterations in total. Only number eight Taulupe Faletau and wing Louis Rees-Zammit retain their positions. The lineup features several young talents who could serve as the foundation for future Welsh teams. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Rugby World Cup 4th Quarter Final tickets from our website.

Locks Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza aged 20 and 21 respectively will form Wales' youngest second-row starting partnership. Center Mason Grady is 21 years old while captain Dewi Lake is just 24. Adding experience to the mix are flanker Dan Lydiate and full-back Leigh Halfpenny both competing in their third RWCs.

Wales and Portugal previously met each other in a one-sided match

Halfpenny at 34 years eight months and 26 days will become the oldest Welsh back to participate in a RWC 2023 match. Surpassing Shane Williams who achieved this feat against Australia in Auckland in 2011. Gareth Anscombe makes a return after missing the 2019 tournament due to injury and will partner with scrum-half Tomos Williams is set to earn his 50th cap.

It has been 29 years since Wales and Portugal last faced each other in a one-sided encounter in Lisbon. Following their RWC pool stage exit in 1991, Wales had to go through the qualification process for the subsequent tournament. Portugal at the time was defeated 102-11 with Wales scoring 16 tries including four by winger Nigel Walker.

Portugal's rugby has made significant progress and they qualified for the RWC 2007 also held in France. While they faced challenges in that tournament including conceding over 100 points against New Zealand, they came close to defeating Romania. Now after 16 years, Portugal finds itself on the global stage once again having qualified.

For the Rugby World Cup 2023 by winning a repechage competition in Dubai in November 2022. Patrice Lagisquet the former France wing now leads the team as head coach and their recent performance has been quite impressive. Notably, they secured a commanding 46-20 victory against the United States in an RWC warm-up match and put up a spirited fight in a close loss to Australia A.

Wales has skilled Rugby World Cup defeats in the earlier

Their opening match in the tournament holds significant importance and they are determined to leave their mark. Especially after witnessing Uruguay challenge a much-altered France side earlier in the week. While expecting a century of points may be overly optimistic France anticipates. A comfortable bonus-point victory against an opponent that includes semi-professional players.

Wales has experienced Rugby World Cup upsets in the past with Fiji, Western Samoa and all of Samoa coming to mind. The 2023 squad aims to avoid such embarrassment and continue their journey towards the quarter-finals. To read more about New Zealand aims to refine fundamentals in second Rugby World Cup match.

Georgia shifted away from their kicking game and began to exploit openings in the Wallabies' defence during the second half. However, their efforts only resulted in two tries with several missed opportunities. The turning point occurred just shy of the one-hour mark when Georgia's fullback.

Davit Niniashvili broke through the defense but opted to go it alone neglecting three of his teammates were positioned on his inside. Unfortunately, his offload found its way to Australia's prop Taniela Tupou skillfully executed. A delicate lob pass to Donaldson, allowing him to score without being touched.

Georgia approved another upfront consequence for Donaldson

Instead of potentially closing the gap to 21-15, Georgia found themselves trailing making victory seem out of reach. Georgia's coach Levan Maisashvili commented on the match saying our exits were very poor. At the start, we put ourselves under pressure but we came back in the second half.

It's just the first game so we have a lot of things to analyze. In the first half, Georgia managed to score only through a penalty kick by flyhalf Luka Matkava. Tabutsadze came close to securing his 11th try of the year with a skilful manoeuvre eluding a tackle kicking ahead. But narrowly missing the ball before Donaldson swiftly covered the ground.

Georgia conceded another straightforward penalty to Donaldson following scrumhalf Vasil Lobzhanidze's high tackle on McDermott. McDermott required medical attention and later left the field after sustaining a hit while making a tackle. Georgia received applause from the crowd when they chose an attacking lineout instead of opting for a penalty kick.

This strategic decision paid off as Vasil Lobzhanidze and Matkava combined to send flanker Luka Ivanishvili darting into the left corner just two minutes into the second half. During the second half, Georgia's backline particularly on the flanks began to carve through the Australian defense creating scoring opportunities. However, they struggled to convert these chances into points.

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