Supercup 2022
The first title in the Portuguese 2022/23 season will be decided by Belenenses (Winner of both League and Cup in 21/22) and Agronomia (Cup finalist in 2021/22) in Lisbon (Jamor, pitch A – 4:30pm – free entry) on October 5th.
What to expect from both teams?
Agronomia
Agronomia is chasing its 6th SuperCup.
Being the first game of the season, it is always difficult to predict the form and the gameplan the teams will have. We are waiting to see what Agronomia can do after losing their coach Frederico Sousa to rivals Cascais – one that has given them 1 Championship and 2 of their 5 Supercups.
A former Técnico player and coach, Kane Hancy will be the responsible for one of the teams that brought more dynamism and irreverence to Portugal’s top flight, having scored 669 points throughout the season. Their attacking record could have given them a higher league place but a lack of consistency in results and exhibitions saw Agronomia finish their 21/22 campaign in a thrilling, play-off quarter-final match against CDUL.
Hancy´s experience, both as coach and player (2x Hong Kong 10’s MVP; played in the ITM Cup, and has been one of Técnico’s success reason) will certainly be a great asset for a young team that has in fullback Manuel Cardoso Pinto their greatest individual performer.
The 24-year-old international has been the biggest influence in the Lusitanos’ positive and attacking Rugby throughout the Rugby Europe Super Cup. He has not only scored two tries and had several line breaks, but also in the team’s Iberian derby last weekend, he provided 2 assists in what became a 22-20 victory for the Portuguese franchise. Probably the most in-form player in Portugal at the moment.
Although Cardoso Pinto’s influence will be crucial, the talent of Domingos Cabral, the consistency of captain Vasco Ribeiro, and Francisco´s Cabral capacity to score tries, together with their heavy pack, will cause immense trouble for the reigning champions defence (and pretty much any opposition they face).
Belenenses
Having conquered all domestic titles last season, Belenenses will come to this SuperCup wanting to continue their 3rd consecutive Supercup run and add a 4th. They will enter this game without two of their main players from last season: Lucas Bordigoni and Rodrigo Marta.
While Chilean tighthead prop Bordigoni went back to his home country to fight for a place in Los Condores’ World Cup squad, Rodrigo Marta headed to Nationale 1’s Dax in a hope to thrive in French rugby and continuing to be one of the best players for “Os Lobos”.
After a tremendous season with only two defeats (both to Cascais), Belenenses faces Agronomia with a little of (theoretic) favouritism, not only for being last season’s top attack (1001 points scored) and the second best defence (355 points conceded), but for having a positive and dynamic Rugby.
The team led by João Mirra has been the most regular in internal competitions since Mirra took the job 5 years ago, having already won 2 League Titles, 3 Portuguese Cups and 3 Supercups.
The strong and dynamic forward pack, highlighted by the performances of hooker Guillermo Lawrie, flanker David Wallis and number 8 Tomás Sequeira, has allowed their backs to show what this team really likes to do: fast-paced games and to be very opportunist.
Fly half Francisco Menéres will want to get advantage of his backline speed in the form of Manuel Marta, José Santos or Diogo Rodrigues to cause trouble to the side which they beat 25-20 in last season’s Cup final.
In summary
Curiosity: Last 5 Supercups were won by both these clubs: Agronomia (2) and Belenenses (3).
Being two teams that privilege a dynamic gameplan and style of play, the winner will be found in the discipline (both teams being very dangerous on dynamic mauls), the quality of their kicking game and the inspiration of some of their keyplayers.
A completely uncertain winner in a match between two of Portugal’s most titled teams that promises a lot of emotion and quality.
While Agronomia is seeking revenge after last year’s tight loss in the Cup Final, Belenenses wouldn’t want to miss the chance to win yet another title.
Score prediction: Agronomia 19-22 Belenenses