After performing so well in their loss to the Springboks last week, Scotland should have no problem putting away Portugal at Murrayfield on Saturday. Shaun Goosen previews.
Autumn Nations Series
Scotland v Portugal
Saturday 16 November – 17:10
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Scotland will look to build on their performance against the Springboks last week when they face off against European minnows, Portugal. The Iberians have had little in the way of Test rugby since their heroics at the 2023 World Cup, only playing three times in 2024.
To Win Match *betting tba
Scotland | Draw | Portugal
Handicap
Scotland | Portugal
Post-match, Eben Etzebeth was quick to point out how South Africa’s eventual 32-15 win over Scotland last week heavily flattered the double world champions. In truth, the Brave Hearts were a lot closer than that scoreline suggests and would have been left frustrated at perhaps not taking more of the opportunities that presented themselves in Edinburgh.
With a clash against Australia still to come this month, Gregor Townsend may opt to field a relatively inexperienced squad for this weekend’s matchup with the Portuguese and give some of his fringe players a proper hit out.
Despite the negative result against the Boks, there was plenty to like about the Scottish performance and this next Test can provide Townsend and his coaching unit with a fantastic opportunity to see just how many members of his greater squad are capable of cutting the mustard. With the Six Nations on the horizon, there is precious little time left to develop squad depth making this contest even more important.
Os Lobos fell to a disappointing 17-21 defeat to the USA in Coimbra last week in their first Test match since their July defeat to the Springboks in Bloemfontein. While we have come to expect sparks of attacking cunning from the side, as evidenced in that aforementioned Bok game and at last year’s World Cup, the reality is that the cold Edinburgh autumn won’t work in their favour.
Verdict: Scotland on the minus
Scotland to rack up a convincing score against the men from the Iberian Peninsula. I reckon anything under 30-odd points is a fairly safe bet.
