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Portugal vs Ireland Preview: Odds, Tips and Predictions

Date: July 12, 2025 Kick off time: 19:00 WEST Venue: Estadio Nacional, Lisbon, Portugal With the mid-year rugby internationals underway, SportsBoom has compiled a Portugal vs Ireland preview ahead of their clash in Lisbon on July 12, 2025. The Irish are currently ranked third in the world, facing a Portuguese team ranked 18th. Rugby league betting is also in full swing ahead of this test match at Portugal’s Estadio Nacional.

Bruce Douglas
Bruce Douglas

Last updated: 2025-07-09

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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James Ryan of Ireland and teammates look dejected following the team's defeat

James Ryan and teammates/Getty Images

Portugal and Ireland are set for a historic clash in Lisbon on July 12, as the mid-year rugby test matches continue to bring entertaining clashes. For very different reasons, both nations are likely to approach this game seriously.

The Irish are currently third in the world but remain within touching distance of New Zealand, while the Portuguese could make a statement with an upset at home. In this context, SportsBoom has looked at the latest rugby betting tips.

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: Ireland Overwhelming Favourites

With sports betting online already active, SportsBoom has looked at the current odds:

  1. Home: 18/1 (19.0) – 5.3% 

  2. Draw: 49/1 (50.0) – 2.0% 

  3. Away: 1/100 (1.01) – 99.0%
    *Odds courtesy of 888Starz, subject to change. 

Head-to-Head Record

Ireland and Portugal have not met in the international rugby arena before and are set for a historic maiden meeting. This has come about due to growing interest for top teams to face the Lobos, who are steadily gaining standing for their gutsy performances against heavy-hitters.

Portugal Current Form – LWLLL

In their last international outings in November 2024, Portugal endured a narrow 17-21 defeat against the USA before being thumped 21-59 by Scotland a week later.

Their July matches included a spirited effort against world champions South Africa, ending
21-64 behind but also impressing with their attitude. One bright spot was their 37-22 victory over the rough-and-tumble Namibia in the same period.

Perhaps the highlight of Portugal’s recent international participation was the one-point win against Fiji in the Men’s World Cup in October 2023, proving themselves capable of upsetting the order and perhaps scaling the global rankings.

However, Ireland are a formidable foe and Portugal could approach this game with caution, knowing that errors will be expensive and chances are likely to be few against a well-drilled opposition.

Rodrigo Marta of Portugal scores his team's third try during the Rugby World Cup

Rodrigo Marta/Getty Images

Ireland Current Form – WWLWW

Ireland’s aspirations to become the first winner of three consecutive Six Nations titles were dashed with a third-place overall finish this year, with the sting of this outcome likely to fuel them heading into the mid-year series.

Prior to dominating Georgia 34-5 on July 5, the Irish enjoyed a sterling record including a 22-17 win over Italy, a 27-18 victory against Wales, a 32-18 triumph versus Scotland, and a 27-22 result in their clash with England.

With second place on the World Rugby Rankings likely to be in their sights, Ireland would be confident heading into their test against Portugal, but they would also be careful to not underestimate the determined Southern Europeans.

Ireland's number 8 Caelan Doris (C) is tackled by Italy's lock Niccolo Cannone

Caelan Doris and lock Niccolo Cannone/Getty Images

Key Players to Watch

Portugal

Rodrigo Marta: Portugal’s top try-scorer of all-time would be looking to add to his tally against a nation strong on offence and defence. Able to function at wing or centre, his ability to read the game could be crucial for his country.

Nicolas Martins: One of the key areas of this match is the battle of the forward pack, with players like Martins needed to bolster the scrum and also work some magic in the power battles. He brings experience from his team with Montpellier Herault in the French Top 14.

Raffaele Storti: Likely to be partnered with the prolific Marta on the opposite wing, Storti has built up a wealth of experience with Stade Francais in France’s top-tier league, the Top 14. If given an opportunity to score, he could be deadly - even against the imposing Irish.

Ireland

Caelan Doris: The captain has been a standout for his country in recent internationals and also offered his leadership and experience for Leinster, who claimed a record-extending ninth URC title this season. He is an anchor of the back row with the power and physicality needed in set pieces and the breakdown.

Bundee Aki: The centre has been a part of Ireland’s continued resurgence and has nailed down a consistent starting position for good reason. Aki’s tackling and line-breaking capabilities make him a dangerous opponent and the Lobos will need to be careful when he has the ball in-hand.

Andrew Porter: Ranked among the top players in the prop position, Porter has been immense on the domestic front with Leinster. His ball-carrying ability and work rate have made him a standout in the front row and Ireland would be keen to put that to good use in grinding down the Portuguese team.

Portugal Team News

Portugal, under coach Simon Mannix, are currently heavily affected by injuries, with the likes of Rodrigo Marta, Anthony Alves, Raffaele Storti and Jose Lima all out of action. This has resulted in a number of call-ups, including Manuel Vareiro, Martim Souto and Boaventura Almeida.

Ireland Team News

Robbie Henshaw is among the most notable Ireland omissions due to an injury, with Rob Herring and Iain Henderson also doubtful. With Paul O’Connell taking the coaching reins in the absence of Andy Farrell, Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Ben Murphy and Tommy O’Brien could earn their first caps.

Predicted Line-Ups

Portugal

Forwards:

Props (1 & 3): David Costa, Diogo Ferreira (A prop pairing who featured for Portugal previously) Hooker (2): Luke Begic (This hooker plays club rugby for Stade Montois in France)
Locks (4 & 5): Jose Madeira, Jose de Andrade (Two young locks looking to cement their places) Flankers (6 & 7): Diego Ruiz, Nicolas Martins (The flank pair are both France-born stars) Number 8 (8): Vasco Baptista (A determined member of the Portuguese forward pack)

Backs:

Scrum-Half (9): Samuel Marques (He plays for Beziers in France’s second-tier rugby league) Fly-Half (10): Joris Moura (Brings his edge from French second-tier side Valence Romans) Centres (12 & 13): Tomas Appleton (The national captain), Jose Lima (A strong backline player) Wings (11 & 14): Rodrigo Marta (Portugal’s record try-scorer), Raffaele Storti (Shines with Stade Francais in the French Top 14)
Fullback (15): Simao Bento (This speedy back plays for Stade Montois in France’s Pro D2)

Ireland

Forwards:

Props (1 & 3): Andrew Porter, Finlay Bealham (The prop pairing offers power and experience) Hooker (2): Dan Sheehan (The young hooker continues to impress)
Locks (4 & 5): James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne (A lock pairing blending youth and experience) Flankers (6 & 7): Jack Conan (Two veterans will be fearsome on the flanks)
Number 8 (8): Caelan Doris (The captain brings leadership to the eighth man position)

Backs:

Scrum-Half (9): Jamison Gibson-Park (The scrum-half also boasts vast experience) Fly-Half (10): Jack Crowley (The Munster fly-half enjoyed a solid domestic season) Centres (12 & 13): Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose (Ireland has a strong centre pairing)
Wings (11 & 14): James Lowe, Mack Hansen (Both men have speed and power to bear) Fullback (15): Hugo Keenan (The Leinster back has overcome an injury concern)

Value Bets

For fans of international fixtures, best betting sites for rugby have also offered value odds.

Handicap (-20.5: Ireland)

It is without question that the Portuguese are in for a gruelling match against a far superior opposition, with Ireland sure to overcome a -20.5 handicap en route to a victory (21/100 with Betway)

Suggested Bets

Rugby betting sportsbooks are currently live with suggested Portugal vs Ireland betting odds ahead of their international contest.

Total even - Yes

In what is expected to be a high-scoring affair, the Ireland would most likely deal in tries and conversions, with a few occasional penalty kicks contributing to an even total (83/100 with 888Starz)

Portugal vs Ireland Prediction: Ireland to Win

Portugal’s only match of the current international window is set to be a difficult contest, against an Ireland squad packed with championship talent and who would be backing themselves to scale the rankings and take a decent shot at the 2027 World Cup title.

Despite previous results showing serious heart, the Lobos will have the deck stacked against them against a mighty Irish side with a lot to prove and firepower at the ready. Could an upset be on the cards? Probably not, but this could be far from a whitewash.

SportsBoom’s Portugal match prediction is that Ireland claims a comfortable win while their relatively untested opposition muster a few solid tries. Reliable bookmakers for betting will also be watching this match closely.

If you are looking to place a wager, you can explore betting sites with welcome bonus for added value on first bets.

Bruce Douglas
Bruce DouglasSports Writer

Bruce Douglas has more than 12 years of experience in local news media. He has worked at all levels of print and online publication, from crime and politics to photography, newspaper layout, proofreading, mentoring, sub-editing, and leading a newsroom. He played numerous sports at the school level and enjoys keeping up to date.