Portugal didn’t manage a single victory in 2007 after being put in the same pool as New Zealand, Scotland, Italy and Romania.
After heavy defeats to Scotland (56-10) and New Zealand (108-13), Portugal warmed to their task and were much more competitive in their final two fixtures, a 31-5 defeat to Italy followed by a 14-10 loss to Romania.
But Os Lobos will now get the chance to put the record straight after becoming the 20th and final qualifier for Rugby World Cup 2023.
Fans of Toa Samoa have been blasting car horns and waving every Samoan flag they can find since the team’s shocking 27-26 semifinal win over tournament host England last weekend in London.
That put the Toa into the final on Saturday at Old Trafford with hot favourite Australia, which has won eight of the last nine World Cups.
Center Stephen Crichton, who kicked the golden point dropped goal that broke English hearts, said the backing from supporters has swelled their pride.
