Portugal Faces Springboks in Historic Rugby Clash

Portugal has selected Joris Moura at flyhalf and captain Tomas Appleton at inside centre for their first-ever test against South Africa, the world champions. Coach Simon Mannix has retained the same front row from their victory over Namibia, while making significant changes in the loose forwards. Eleven players were part of their impressive 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Portugal has announced former France junior international Joris Moura at flyhalf and experienced captain Tomas Appleton at inside centre for their historic first test against world champions South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Moura replaces Domingos Cabral, who drops to the bench after starting last weekend's 37-22 victory over Namibia in Windhoek.

Jose Lima remains in midfield with Appleton, while Rodrigo Marta continues on the wing alongside Manuel Cardoso Pinto and fullback Simao Bento. Coach Simon Mannix, a former New Zealand international flyhalf, has retained the same front row, featuring props Francisco Fernandes and Diogo Hasse Ferreira flanking hooker Luka Begic.

Duarte Torgal partners with uncapped Nicolas Fernandes at lock, a significant challenge for the 24-year-old. There's an entirely new loose-forward trio, featuring flankers Jose Madeira and Diego Pinheiro alongside number eight Vasco Batista. "It's massive playing against the double world champions," Appleton told Rugby365. "It's so big for us as a developing union. For some of us, we are playing against guys that we are used to seeing on television."

Portugal aims to prove their seriousness in this clash, coming off an impressive 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign where they defeated Fiji and drew with Georgia. The Springboks, despite resting many regulars, present a formidable challenge, having made 14 changes from their team that narrowly lost 25-24 to Ireland in Durban last weekend.

(With inputs from agencies.)