Boks Test 'crucial' for Portugal

Captain Tomas Appleton says a new-look Portugal is relishing a “massive” first-ever Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein in July.

The Springboks will host Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, 20 July.

The back-to-back World Cup champions return to the Toyota Stadium for the first time since their narrow 13-12 defeat against Wales in the City of Roses in 2022, but will be expecting a competitive challenge against Portugal, who defeated World Cup quarter-finalists Fiji in their final pool match in France last year.

For Portugal, the Test is another opportunity to prove their mettle as they target another impressive showing at the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, experienced centre Appleton said Os Lobos need more Tests against Tier One nations to keep developing.

“We have a massive game against South Africa in July,” Appleton told MailSport.

“We want to keep building to that game. It will be history for us to play the two-time world champions. It will be amazing.

“We want to show our best rugby and what we are able to do, as we did during the World Cup.

“Against South Africa we want to show our value. It’s crucial and really important for us to develop as a team and a rugby nation. We really need these games so we can expose players to a high level.”

Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP