European Games – Men’s 7s
Portugal is in the World Challenge Series!
Written by: Joao Freudenthal
With the combined result of the Algarve 7s and the Hamburg 7s, the men’s team secured a spot in the tournament that will qualify a team for the World 7s Circuit. The Lobos finished in 6th place in Hamburg, securing the 5th place overall, the first team after the teams already competing in the circuit: Ireland (winner), France, Spain, and Great Britain.
WHAT HAPPENED IN HAMBURG?
On the first day, Portugal only faced Italy, and although it wasn’t a very well-played game, the team found a way to victory (33-21).
The second day was crucial for qualifying for the quarterfinals. The Wolves defeated Romania 26-5, although the performance left something to be desired, especially offensively. Needing not to lose by more than 10 points to secure first place in the group, Portugal had difficulties against a physical Georgian team and ended up losing (12-19). However, the main objective was achieved, and Portugal finished at the top of the group.
First place secured and quarterfinals against the best third-placed team, which, unfortunately, happened to be Ireland (eventual winner of the Championship 2023). The team defended well, but the Irish proved to be too strong.
At the end of the second day of the tournament, and thanks to favourable results, the Wolves knew they had one of the three qualifying spots for the Challenge Series, one of the main goals of the season.
On the last day, with the comfort of guaranteed qualification, the team defeated Belgium (28-10) and in the battle for 5th place, the home team (Germany) came out on top (12-26).
SEASON ASSESSMENT
The least successful tournament of the three played in the last month, being the only one in which Portugal managed to finish first in the group, with the misfortune of facing the powerful Ireland in the quarterfinals. However, what stands out from this tournament, in our opinion, is a more cohesive team with more solutions. There was a greater rotation, Manuel Marta and Diogo Sarmento were injured, and in that regard, we would like to highlight Manuel Fati and Vasco Câmara (without prejudice to the good performances of the other less experienced members).
A season that started with a World Cup in September and ends with a 4th place in the qualification for the Olympic Games and a well-deserved qualification for the Challenge Series! Fantastic season for the team led by Frederico Sousa and Pedro Leal. Congratulations to the team.
With the eyes of the Portuguese Rugby Federation (FPR) focused (not surprisingly) on the XV World Cup, this team has shown us that if there were no other interests and if there had been better planning in line with the will and talent of these players, the results could have been even better.
Although the XV World Cup is one of the biggest stages, the great solution to put Portugal definitively on the rugby map may come through this 7s selection. And only those who do not want to see it fail to see it. Exceptional defensive performance, cohesion and unity in the game of 7s, improvement in kicking and ball recovery in the air (a fundamental aspect in 7s!) and, without great emphasis on any particular player, our personal highlight goes to Frederico Sousa.
This is revealing of the coach’s ability to assemble a team of young players who do not regularly play 7s and to have built a game plan adapted to the reality and the players. The spirit of the group off the field is remarkable, and it reflected on the field.
Although there were excellent individual performances, it would be unfair not to highlight the teamwork.
This way, we are going far.
Let’s seriously consider the preparation for the next season and give this team what they have proven to deserve! Congratulations to everyone!
PS: While this article does not focus on it, and without underestimating the women’s national team in any way, we also want to congratulate João Moura’s team for their maintenance. A team that showed great potential and delivered excellent performances against teams with more resources.
