Ireland achieved a historic milestone in their rugby history by securing a record Test victory, defeating Portugal 106-7 during their first capped international match at the Estadio Nacional do Jamor. This landmark win not only surpassed their previous highest score of 83 points, recorded against the USA in June 2000, but also established new records for points, tries, and margin of victory.
In a commanding performance, Ireland’s interim head coach Paul O’Connell introduced three debutants: Alex Kendellen, Hugh Gavin, and Shayne Bolton. The duo of Gavin and Bolton made a significant impact, each scoring two tries during a first half that saw Ireland amass eight tries. Kendellen also got on the score sheet, marking a memorable entry into international rugby.
Despite limited scoring opportunities and a disallowed try earlier in the game, Portugal managed to score through flanker Nicholas Martins in the second half. However, they struggled to compete effectively against the much more experienced Irish side, especially in light of a disrupted communication system that limited the use of the video assistant referee (TMO) during the final hour of play.
Ireland set the tone for the match early, with Stuart McCloskey opening the scoring less than a minute into the game after impressive handling leading up to the try. Other debutants made their mark as well, with Tommy O’Brien adding two tries and tight-head Tom Clarkson also contributing to the scoreboard.
The second half mirrored the first in terms of scoring, with Ireland maintaining their dominance. Led by captain Craig Casey, who scored early in the half, Ireland continued to pile on the pressure. This strong showing comes off the back of their recent victory against Georgia, giving Ireland a confident boost as they head into their next Test against New Zealand in Chicago on November 1.
Portugal, despite their previous successes at the 2023 World Cup—including a historic victory over Fiji and a draw against Georgia—found themselves outmatched. The result reflects a re-building phase for the team as they look to grow from these challenging experiences.
Ireland’s performance not only highlights their attacking depth and forward resilience but also showcases promising newcomers, providing optimism for their future endeavors on the international stage. With games against top-tier opponents ahead, fans can look forward to further developments in this dynamic squad’s journey.
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