Wales 28-8 Portugal: Taulupe Faletau’s late try secures bonus-point win but Warren Gatland’s side unconvincing

There were 12 changes from the Welsh side who beat Fiji a week ago and that was evident against Portugal, who are in the tournament for only the second time in their history.

Wales coach Warren Gatland described the match as “slippery” and that proved when the underdogs took the match to their more vaunted opponents, who cruised to a 28-8 victory but will need a big improvement when they face Australia next weekend.

Despite this, Wales have now won 12 of their last 13 World Cup group matches and scored tries thanks to winger Louis Rees-Zammit, hooker Dewi Lake and flanker Jac Morgan, before Taulupe Faletau bursts in to get the bonus point in the final seconds.

Portugal, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2007, played with pace and determination, especially in the first half, running the ball at every opportunity in an eye-catching display.

They trailed 14-3 at the break, but won a second-half try through flanker Nicolas Martins after a brilliant lineout move typified their effort. Portugal, however, finished the match with 14 men, after Vincent Pinto’s yellow card was turned into a red following a high boot on Josh Adams.

Additional reporting from Reuters.