Wales vs Portugal LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Morgan and Lake score tries

Wales 28-8 Portugal: Warren Gatland’s side secured a bonus point win in a tight contest against Portugal

(Getty Images)

Wales continued their winning streak at the Rugby World Cup with by triumphing over Portugal in a testing encounter at the Stade de Nice.

Louis Rees Zammit gave Warren Gatland’s much changed side the early lead going over inside the first 10 minutes before Portugal responded with a penalty kick to get some points on the board.

The first half proved to be a tight affair as Portugal showed off flair and stamina in defence but Dewi Lake’s try just before the break released the shackles on the Welsh. Jac Morgan scored to secure the points before Portugal went over with a wonderfully worked try from a lineout.

As time died away Wales targeted a bonus point try that came from Taulupe Faletau in the final action of the match.

Relive all the action from the Stade de Nice below.

Wales vs Portugal

• Portugal thrill to give Wales a scare and show why rugby must broaden the borders
• Wales defeat Portugal in a Pool C encounter at the Rugby World Cup
• Full-time! Wales 28-8 Portugal
• TRY! Wales 28-8 Portugal (Taulupe Faletau, 83 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 21-8 Portugal, (Nicolas Martins, 63 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 21-3 Portugal (Jac Morgan, 56 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 14-3 Portugal, (Dewi Lake, 42 minutes)
• PENALTY! Wales 7-3 Portugal (Samuel Marques, 37 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 7-0 Portugal (Louis Rees Zammit, 9 minutes)

[16 September 2023 18:32 · Mike Jones]

TRY! Wales 28-8 Portugal (Gareth Davies, 75 minutes)

Wales drop the ball in the middle of the pitch but Louis Rees Zammit is the first to react. He scoops it up and drives throught the gap before sprinting towards the posts.

Just as he’s about to get tackled, Rees Zammit offloads and Gareth Davies dives over the line. Leigh Halfpenny then converts but the officials aren’t happy.

They’re taking another look at this.

[16 September 2023 18:30 · Mike Jones]

Wales 21-8 Portugal, 73 minutes

Mason Grady takes out a man without the ball and Portugal’s penalty results in them pinging the ball into Wales’ half. The chance of a bonus point is slipping away from Wales as Portugal target another try of their own.

[16 September 2023 18:27 · Mike Jones]

Wales 21-8 Portugal, 70 minutes

Wales are starting to relax.

There’s 10 minutes or so left in the game and they’re pushing on for a bonus point. Portugal don’t seem like they’ll be able to close the gap so Warren Gatland’s side will give it their all in the final few minutes.

[16 September 2023 18:20 · Mike Jones]

Wales 21-8 Portugal, 66 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de Nice:

"A huge roar as Nicolas Martins crossed in the corner, a nifty lineout move beautifully executed. Mike Tadjer, 34 and making a World Cup debut after 12 years of representing the country of his father, celebrated with a mighty, mighty punch of the air"

[16 September 2023 18:19 · Mike Jones]

TRY! Wales 21-8 Portugal, (Nicolas Martins, 63 minutes)

Incredible try from Portugal!

The lineout is caught at the peak of the lift before the ball is immediately offloaded to Nicolas Martins. Wales are asleep and Martins nips through the gap at the front of the lineout before diving over the line.

The conversion is missed but Portugal celebrate that fantastic move and rightly so.

[16 September 2023 18:15 · Mike Jones]

Wales 21-3 Portugal, 61 minutes

Portugal look fluid with the ball in hand and that is exemplified by replacement Raffaele Storti. He twists and weaves out of a couple of tackles before getting brough down 10 metres or so away from the Welsh try line.

A knock on and an offside award Portugal a penalty and they decide to run it. They want a try.

[16 September 2023 18:10 · Mike Jones]

TRY! Wales 21-3 Portugal (Jac Morgan, 56 minutes)

This try is very similar to Wales’ second one. They inch closer and closer to the line before Jac Morgan drives over and Leigh Halfpenny completes the conversion.

The sting is eking away from Portugal who have a big mountain to climb now.

[16 September 2023 18:08 · Mike Jones]

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 53 minutes

Portugal have been given an all round warning, first for collapsing the scrum and then for not allowing Williams to release the ball. They’re under pressure from Wales who are determined to get a third try with this attack.

From the next scrum, Wales run left with Tomos Williams carrying the ball. He looks for the offload but isbrough down before he can pass.

[16 September 2023 18:06 · Mike Jones]

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 53 minutes

Wales try to get the ball on the outside after flinging the ball over to Johnny Williams. He’s brought down illegally and Portugal have to deal with a Welsh scrum right near their own try line.

[16 September 2023 18:01 · Mike Jones]

Wales 14-3 Portugal, 50 minutes

Wales need to play smart. They need to keep hold of the ball, wear Portugal down and slowly force their way up the pitch. Instead the game is very open with mistakes happening on both sides.

Portugal win a penalty but Samuel Marques pushes it too wide and the lead remains 11 points.