World number fifteen Portugal are underway in what is a major milestone contest for the nation against back-to-back World Champions South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Getting off to a tough start as outside centre Jose Lima was on the receiving end from a big tackle from Bok centre Andre Esterhuizen which saw him depart the action early. Esterhuizen was subsequently shown a yellow card which was upgraded to a red by the bunker.
Recovering quickly, Portugal would shock the Boks with a superb long range effort which was finished off by Lima’s replacement Jose Paiva dos Santos.
Pouncing on a Springbok mistake as number eight Evan Roos through a speculative pass, Portugal captain Tomas Appleton chipped forward before regathering and finding dos Santos.
Few would’ve bet on the visitors taking the lead against a strong Springbok line-up and it was evident just how much the score meant to the side as they celebrated.
As one would expect from a champion side like the Boks they have since struck back with two tries of their own through Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Phepsi Buthelezi.
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok was unsuccessful with both of his conversion attempts so the scores are currently 10 -7 with 24 minutes played.
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