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MARSEILLE - New Zealand versus Portugal clashes are rare in any sport although the rugby field has hosted a handful of showdowns in recent times.
While Saturday's World Cup pool fixture in Lyon is the first ever test between the nations, they have met eight times on the world sevens circuit since 2000. New Zealand have won them all and not a lot is expected to change in the 15-man version.
Sevens has helped boost rugby interest and player numbers throughout soccer-mad Portugal, although it still has considerably fewer clubs (57) and registered players (4286) than any other country at this tournament.
Only three of their squad earn a living from the sport. Those with their occupations listed include teachers, engineers, students and lawyers.
"The majority of players who work, work in intense jobs where they are under a great deal of pressure," Portugal coach Tomaz Morais said.
"It makes them doubly professional. They have an incredible attitude and set an example for the professional members of the team. They bring a great deal of dedication to the team.
"We are the best amateur team in rugby."
Morais is a 38-year-old university professor and former Portuguese centre who has overseen their marathon qualifying process before they filled the 20th and final berth at this World Cup.
The Wolves, translated as Los Lobos, ended a three-year campaign on a high in Montevideo when they squeezed past Uruguay 24-23 on aggregate over two legs.
They won 12-5 at Lisbon so the 12-18 away loss was just enough to scrape through.
Six players couldn't contain their excitement, spending the night in a Montevideo cell after celebrations got out of hand.
Most players in the world No 22-ranked side feature in the Portugal domestic league.
No 8 and captain Vasco Uva plays for the Direito club in Portugal and is joined by brother Goncalo, a lock, and cousin Joao, a flanker.
Porto prop Joaquim Ferreira has more test experience than any current All Black, the 34-year-old boasting 81 caps.
They have developed a following in Chambon-sur-Lignon, a village in the Haute-Loire region being used as their base throughout the tournament.
Coming into the tournament, Los Lobos lost 0-83 to Italy and 16-19 to English national league one side London Welsh.
The opened the Cup with a 10-56 loss to Scotland at St Etienne on Sunday with a performance more competitive than many had predicted.
A chief target is their final pool match against Romania at Toulouse on September 26, a match Morais believes is winnable as long as they don't get too battered and bruised in the lead-up games.
But for hooker Joao Correia, studying to be a doctor, the All Blacks' test is the biggie.
"Everyone wants to play that game. They are our idols. They are superstars. We know we are going to be beaten by many points, but it will still be a dream."
- NZPA
