Portugal's Antonio Prim targets historic World Cup knockout stage

Antonio Prim, Portugal's 23-year-old prop, affirms Os Lobos' ambition to break new ground at the upcoming Rugby World Cup, targeting a historic qualification for the knockout stages. This objective represents an unprecedented aspiration for Portuguese rugby.

The team approaches this global contest with a realistic assessment of its pool opponents, understanding the significant challenge ahead. Their focus remains on delivering strong performances to elevate the sport's profile back home.

Navigating a Challenging Pool

Portugal finds itself in Pool C, a formidable group that includes two of the sport's most dominant nations. Australia, a two-time World Cup winner, and Wales, a perennial Six Nations contender, present considerable hurdles. Fiji, with its renowned attacking flair, and Georgia, known for its powerful forward pack, complete the demanding lineup.

Prim acknowledged the caliber of teams his side will face, recognizing the difference in resources and playing populations. He highlighted the extensive professional structures of nations like Australia, underscoring the gap Portugal aims to bridge.

Despite these disparities, the squad believes its strong collective spirit and unity can be a distinguishing factor. They remain committed to executing their game plan effectively against every opponent.

Building on Recent Success

Os Lobos' qualification for the World Cup was a notable achievement, securing their spot via the repechage tournament. Their journey involved a crucial 16-16 draw with Georgia and a commanding 38-25 victory over the USA, demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure.

Their 2023 campaign has included a mixed bag of results. A narrow 17-13 loss to Georgia and a 38-20 defeat to Romania in the Rugby Europe Championship provided valuable high-level competition. However, a significant 46-10 win against Poland underscored their attacking potential.

The experience gained against these European competitors has been vital for the squad's development. These matches offered opportunities to test combinations and refine strategies ahead of the global showcase.

Elevating the National Game

Prim emphasized the broader impact of Os Lobos' World Cup participation. The team views its role as ambassadors, aiming to inspire a new generation of players and further develop rugby domestically. Achieving success on this international stage would significantly boost the sport's visibility and popularity in Portugal.

The prop reiterated the squad's determination to bring Portuguese rugby to a level it's never been before. This ambition extends beyond mere participation, focusing on competitive performances that command respect and demonstrate their growing prowess.

The team hopes to leverage the World Cup platform to showcase their evolving style of play. They aspire to leave a lasting impression, not just on their fans, but also on the wider international rugby community, as they target their ambitious knockout stage goal.