Portugal’s national rugby team ended a four-match losing streak with a dominant 58-12 victory over Hong Kong in Oeiras, Portugal, a performance that far exceeded expectations based on world rankings.
The decisive win took place on Saturday as part of World Rugby’s autumn international test window.
Portugal, ranked 20th globally, comprehensively defeated 23rd-ranked Hong Kong. The final score reflected a much wider gap than their respective world rankings suggested.
This victory offered a significant turnaround for Portugal, which had suffered a 26-8 defeat to Uruguay just a week prior.
Portugal led Hong Kong 22-12 at halftime.
First-half tries for Portugal came from Luka Begic, Simão Bento, and Rodrigo Marta. Nuno Sousa Guedes contributed with conversions and a penalty kick.
Hong Kong managed to score two tries late in the first half, but only after Portugal had already established a 19-0 lead.
The second half of the match was largely one-sided, with Portugal adding six more tries to their tally.
Rodrigo Marta scored his second try of the game, followed by additional touchdowns from Raffaele Storti, Martim Bello, Vasco Baptista, Manuel Vareiro, and Nicolas Martins.
Manuel Vareiro and Hugo Aubry successfully converted three of the second-half tries, solidifying the final score.
Portugal is scheduled to conclude its autumn international test series on November 22 when they face Canada in Coimbra.