Match Preview: Portugal vs Belgium

The men’s Rugby Europe Championship for 2023 is here and it gets underway with four great matches this weekend.

With the event now expanded to eight teams, a new Pool and then knock-out format and a Finals Day on March 19, the next few weeks are shaping up to be full of thrills and spills.

After the opening match between Romania and Poland, Saturday’s second offering between Portugal and Belgium will take place at the Honor Stadium in Lisbon at 7pm local (7pm UTC).

This is 18 in the world versus 26 and, like Romania, Portugal are going to the World Cup in France in a few months time.

Like Poland, Belgium are new to this event after winning the Trophy last year. Portugal skipper Tomas Appleton said: “We know Belgium well and we know they have a similar style of play to us.”

Belgium’s new head coach Mike Ford said: “The most important thing for the Belgium team is that we learn and grow throughout the competition and get better with every game.”

Head-to-Head Record

Played: 16

Draws: 2

Portugal Wins: 11 (69%)

Belgium Wins: 3 (19%)

Biggest Winning Margin: Portugal 37-11 Belgium