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Portugal are on the precipice of qualifying for RWC 2027, and after a inspiring performance at RWC 2023. It should be a bare minimum expectation for Portugal, however, Germany had a strong start against Romania last week. Having spoke with some within the German camp, they are not happy with the result and have made changes to target a result that warrants the performance.
Portugal remain pretty much unchanged for the visit of Germany. Tighthead Prop Anthony Alves comes in for Diogo Ferreira, who drops to the bench. Joao Granate moves to 8, with Vasco Baptista dropping to the bench. Diego Pinheiro comes in to play 6 in the Portuguese pack. With Hugo Camacho coming back in to play 9, the Team of the Tournament player from last season, he will be looking to get the back line firing in space and through the hands when the option presents itself.
Portugal Starting XV (1-15) David da Costa, Luka Begic, Anthony Alves, Jose Madeira, Jose de Andrade, Diego Pinheiro Ruiz, Nicolas Martins, Joao Granate, Hugo Camacho, Joris Moura, Rodrigo Marta, Tomas Appleton, Jose Lima, Vincent Pinto, Simao Bento
Portugal Replacements (16-23) Antonio Santos, Pedro Lopes, Diogo Ferreira, Duarte Torgal, Vasco Baptista, Francisco Pinto Magalhaes, Manuel Vareiro, Raffaele Storti
Germany have gone for significant changes in their line up, with the view to make their attack more clinical. Germany last week enjoyed consistent opportunities to create an attacking platform but spoiled their chances at the set piece. Significant changes have been made in the pack, and after his try last week Erik Marks finds himself out of the side. Germany will have watched the game last week and highlighted that these changes will target the weaknesses that Portugal had last week, and also correct the errors they made too. Germany will be looking for strong performances at the breakdown again from the likes of Shawn Ingle.
Germany Starting XV (1-15) Jorn Schroder, Andrew Reintges, Markus Bachofer, Hassan Rayan, Michel Himmer, Justin Renc, Shawn Ingle, Oliver Stein, Jan Piosik, Bader Pretorius, Felix Lammers, Leo Wolf, Mondi Nkosi, Cameron McDonald, Nikolai Klewinghaus
Germany Replacements (16-23) Daniel Wolf, Marcel Becker, Dustin Mizera, Luis Ball, Nico Windemuth, Michael McDonald, Zinzan Hees, Robin Plumpe
Portugal should have enough to get the win in Lisbon, but they are also no strangers to an upset in the REC. Germany will be looking to kickstart their tournament, and give themselves a platform ahead of the Belgium tie next week. If they can give themselves a win too, it will definitely help with their intention for a home time if they finish third or even a chance to jump into the RWC Qualification spots of the Top 4. Another great game to watch but I honestly can't see Portugal squandering this chance but it could be a close game in Lisbon.
| # | Team | PL | W | L | D | PD | BP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Romania | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 55 | 1 | 09 |
| 2 |  Portugal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 05 |
| 3 |  Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -27 | 0 | 00 |
| 4 |  Germany | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -38 | 0 | 00 |
