Samoa and Belgium Set for Rugby World Cup Qualification Clash
A pivotal showdown between Samoa and Belgium looms next week, both nations having successfully navigated the second round of the Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament. Belgium’s dramatic, last-minute victory over Brazil and Samoa’s dominant performance against Namibia have set the stage for a high-stakes contest to reach the Australia 2027 tournament.
Belgium secured their place in the next round with a nail-biting 30-27 win against Brazil, a match characterized by physicality and resilience. The “Diables Noirs,” as they are known, struck quickly, with a try from Charles-Henri Berguet following a strong break from Jean-Baptiste de Clercq. Skipper Jean-Maurice Decubber added another try, with Matias Remue converting both to give Belgium an early lead.
Despite a late surge from Brazil, spearheaded by a try from veteran lock Matteo Dell’Acqua and a successful conversion by Thiago Oviedo, Belgium held on. The South Americans came close to equalizing, but a crucial fumble allowed Belgium to clear the ball and maintain a seven-point advantage at halftime.
The second half saw a spirited comeback from Brazil, with Yan Rosetti scoring a try and Oviedo adding a long-range penalty. However, Belgium’s fortunes took a turn for the worse as they were reduced to 13 players following sin-bin offenses from Toon Deceuninck and, subsequently, Charles-Henri Berguet, who was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle.
Undeterred, Belgium rallied, regaining the lead with two penalty kicks from Remove Matthias. A tense final ten minutes saw Brazil equalize with a penalty from Lucas Tranquez, only for Remue to respond with a try of his own. Brazil briefly took the lead again with a late try from Leonel Moreno and a successful conversion, but Belgium had the final say. Replacement tighthead Maxime Jadot secured a decisive try from the back of the maul, sealing a 30-27 victory.
“Laurent Dossat’s team advances to the final round of the tournament with their Rugby World Cup aspirations very much alive,” a senior analyst noted. However, the path to Australia 2027 is far from certain, as they must now overcome Samoa.
Samoa Dominates Namibia in Qualification Round
Samoa showcased their strength with a commanding 26-8 victory over Namibia, also in the second round of the Final Qualification Tournament. The Manu Samoa started strongly, with Jonathan Taumateine scoring an early try, quickly followed by a second from Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong, both converted by Jacob Morning.
Namibia struggled to gain a foothold in the match, hampered by repeated handling errors and unable to penetrate Samoa’s defense. Va’afauese Apelu Maliko extended Samoa’s lead with a try before halftime, establishing a 19-0 advantage.
While Namibia showed improved composure after the break, earning points through a penalty kick by Cliven Loubser, Samoa’s dominance remained unchallenged. Alamanda Motuga added a fourth try for the Pacific islanders. Namibia managed a consolation try through Jay-Cee Nel in the closing stages, but the result was already beyond doubt.
This defeat marks the first time Namibia will miss out on the Rugby World Cup since 1995. Samoa, meanwhile, will carry significant momentum into their crucial match against Belgium.
The upcoming clash between Samoa and Belgium promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Rugby World Cup. The match is scheduled for next Tuesday, with kickoff at 7:30 PM GST / 4:30 PM GMT. Fans can watch the final day of the tournament on RugbyPass TV.
Round 3 Schedule – November 18:
- Namibia vs. Brazil – 5:00 PM GST / 2:00 PM GMT
- Belgium vs. Samoa – 7:30 PM GST / 4:30 PM GMT
