Rugby
Portugal grateful to face the Springboks─── MORGAN PIEK 07:51 Tue, 16 Jul 2024
![Portugal grateful to face the Springboks Portugal grateful to face the Springboks | News Article](https://oscar.ofm.co.za/img/232ef4b2-2406-4831-9657-7e5c7b3977b5.png?crop=0,0,800,450)
“It will be an incredible day for us and it is a big chance for Portuguese rugby. Thank you very much for the opportunity from the Springboks.”
Portugal are braced for the biggest Test of their lives when they tackle the Springboks on Saturday in Bloemfontein.
The historic Test on Saturday will see the two teams playing against each other for the first time and for the visitors this is a big team.
Some of the players, such as their vice-captain, José Lima, have played 60+ Tests, but never one against the World Champions.
Lima told OFM Sport that there is a lot of excitement in the camp and they want to make the most of the very rare opportunity.
“It's a big opportunity for us, it's the first time we're playing in South Africa against the Springboks, first time we're playing against the Springboks and for us it's going to be a great week and a great day on Saturday,” said Lima.
“We're really excited and we're going to put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into this week. We're also going to enjoy a big game against the World Champions.”
Lima added that this is arguably the biggest Test of his life and as a collective they are just grateful for the opportunity awarded to them by the Springboks.
“It is one of the top-three for sure, and I would say it is number one,” said Lima.
“Because it is against the World Champions and for us that is something that has never happened before. I don't know if we'll have a chance to play against the World Champions again.
“Playing against the World Champions in South Africa in an away game is something that is just incredible for us.
“It will be an incredible day for us and it is a big chance for Portuguese rugby. Thank you very much for the opportunity from the Springboks.”
Saturday’s Test at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport