Portugal vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2025 Mid-Year Internationals

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It’s been an excellent year for this improving Portugal but they will be put to the test here against a formidable Ireland outfit.

Start date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – RugbyPass TV / US – Cannot be streamed

Portugal team news

Squad: TBC

Replacements: TBC

Ireland team news

Squad: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Jamie Osbourne, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Shayne Bolton, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Cian Prendegast, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Darragh Murray, 4 Tom Ahern, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Gus McCarthy, 1 Jack Boyle

Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Cormac Izuchukwu, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Ben Murphy, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Hugh Gavin

Portugal vs Ireland prediction

Ireland swept aside tier two nation Georgia last weekend, with a side containing six debutants winning 34-5 in Tbilisi.

Portugal, meanwhile, conclude their 2025 commitments after an excellent year which saw them finish fourth in the Rugby Europe Championship. This Test against Ireland – the first ever meeting between the two nations – of course represents a significant step-up in quality, but one they will relish as they play in front of their own fans in Lisbon.

Three uncapped players – Shayne Bolton, Andy Kendellen and Hugh Gavin – will take their place in interim coach Paul O’Connell’s side, and they will be keen to make an impression here.

Despite Portugal’s recent improvements, there remains a significant gulf in class between the two nations and we’re expecting a handsome victory for the visitors.

Portugal vs Ireland tip: Ireland to win with -32.5 handicap