Rugby World Cup: Spain book their place in France with tough win over Portugal

Los Leones managed to make up for their awful start to qualifying, which consisted of three losses, with a winning streak of six to help see Santiago Santos’ team to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

The hard-fought win over Portugal was played in front of a large crowd out in full voice for the occasion as tries from Jon Zabala, Fred Quercy and two from the in-form Marco Pinto helped them over the line.

Spain’s endeavours in Europe over the last two years have landed them a spot in Pool B with current world Champions South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and the Asia / Pacific 1 qualifier which is yet to be decided.

“It’s been a long journey and a very tough qualification process,” said Spain head coach Santos.

“We lost our first three games and after that, we have won six in a row.

“The performance of the team was amazing and we are very excited to be going to the Rugby World Cup.”

It’s highly unlikely Spain will get anywhere near the Webb Ellis Cup, let alone out of the group stage, but even reaching the tournament is a testimony to how far the team have progressed.

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