Portugal’s World Cup qualifying hopes took a knock as the opening fixture against Russia resulted in a 14-10 loss.
The ‘Lobos’ will also face Germany, Georgia, Romania and Spain in a group where only first place guarantees access to New Zealand in 2011.
Meanwhile England’s sunshine training in the Algarve paid off as they made a great start to the Six Nations with a 30-17 victory over Wales at Twickenham.
As Ireland did not impress against Italy in Dublin the main obstacle should be provided by easy winners in Scotland, France.
