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Australia’s calamitous 2023 Rugby World Cup concludes this Sunday at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, in Saint-Etienne, as they face high-flying Rugby Europe underdogs, Portugal, fresh from winning their first ever Rugby World Cup group-stage points last weekend, following their 18-18 draw with Georgia.
Australia vs Portugal match predictions
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Eddie Jones’ Australia have not been eliminated mathematically, however, tied on points with Fiji with one less game to play, they appear to have faltered at the first hurdle and so will be keen to re-gain some pride. On the other hand, the Portuguese will have their eyes fixed on possibly the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history.
Portugal to win with a + 23.5 handicap @ 1/1 (2.0)
If you’d speculated that an upset was on the cards for this fixture prior to the tournament, you would have been laughed out of whatever conversation you were partaking in, however, the Wallabies have looked hideous this tournament, a shell of the team we know they can be. Meanwhile, Os Lobos have punched well above their weight and competed hard against Wales.
While Portugal only lost 28-8 to Wales, Australia fell, embarrassingly, to a 40-6 loss. They were different games and different Wales teams of course but, while a Portugal victory might be slightly far-fetched, this game will be close and Australia will only win by one or two scores at most.
Raffaele Storti to score the first try @ 20/1 (21.0)
This guy is simply electric. Storti, who plays in the French Pro D2 with Beziers, sat on the bench for Portugal’s first game versus Wales, before starting and dominating their draw with Georgia, with two stunning tries in the space of 20 first-half minutes.
Storti is one of the best finishers at the tournament and if Portugal score the first try, which they may, it will no doubt be him who gets it.
Australia vs Georgia match preview
With group placings now a relative non-factor for both these sides, the emphasis will be on performance rather than results, having said that, a shock Portugal win would be monumental for the nation.
Australia
Australia are probably the tournament’s biggest underachievers and by some margin. After their first loss to Fiji in over 50 years, their demolition at the hands of Wales sees them effectively eliminated. Eddie Jones’ team have been lacking in ideas and their performances have been underwhelming.
Although a big win against world 16th ranked side, Portugal, does not begin to redeem the crushing group-stage exit, the Wallabies will be keen to achieve that as the bare minumum.
Portugal
In stark contrast, Portugal have overachieved at Rugby World Cup 2023 beyond any of their supporter’s, player’s or staff’s wildest imaginations. Os Lobos, who only qualified for the Rugby World Cup because Iberian neighbours Spain were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player, caused Wales headaches in a 20-point win that flattered the Six Nations side.
Their draw with Rugby Europe rivals Georgia last week was a stunning match which saw Georgia lucky to walk away with two points, after scoring a last minute try to level the scores and Portugal missing a potential game-winning kick with the very last play of the game. An upset win against Rugby World Cup juggernauts Australia, though barely feasible, would be not only the biggest win in Portuguese rugby history but the biggest upset in rugby’s history.
Australia vs Portugal match details
- Date and Time: Sunday 1st October, 16:45 GMT
- Venue: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne
- Where to Watch: See Here
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