In the opening weekend of the Final Qualification Tournament for Rugby World Cup 2027, Belgium stunned fans as the Diables Noirs brushed aside Namibia 22–15, while Samoa left nothing to chance with a convincing 48–10 win over Brazil.
Manu Samoa get job done against fierce Brazilian opposition
Samoa and Brazil were the first teams to take the field at Dubai’s Sevens Stadium in the race for a 2027 Rugby World Cup spot, with Tusi Pisi’s men banking a 48–10 bonus-point victory.
The Samoans struck first through Jacob Umaga after Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong broke the line and set up his full-back for the opening try. Umaga converted the two extra points and, five minutes later, added another three from a penalty conversion.
At the 11-minute mark, Tamua Manu was sent to the sin-bin for a tip tackle, with the bunker review determining that no further action should be taken.
Playing with a man advantage, the Tupis took their chance to score their first points after a brilliant run from wing Theo Bastardie, who sambaed his way through Umaga and Rodney Iona.
Rodney Iona of Samoa breaks with the ball as a Remembrance Ceremony takes place at the Rowlands Hill Memorial Gates prior to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament match between Samoa and Brazil at The Sevens Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Christopher Pike – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the South Americans, Samoa shifted gears and delivered an unstoppable physical display, beginning with a maul try finished by Moana Pasifika hooker Mills Sanerivi.
Brazil’s defence held out for 10 minutes before Manu, freshly returned from the bin, powered into the in-goal to extend the lead to 22–5.
The Pacific Islanders added seven more before halftime through a Va’afauese Maliko try converted by Umaga.
Feeling in control, Samoa raised the tempo in the second half, dominating key exchanges and landing another try through Melani Nanai.
Number eight Iakopo Mapu followed soon after, brushing aside several tacklers to reach the line as Brazil’s defence began to fade. In the 57th minute, Manu claimed his second of the match, cutting through to score beneath the posts. Umaga converted both, pushing the score to 48–5.
The Tupis showed resilience late on, grabbing a second try thanks to a powerful surge from hooker Henrique Ferreira, just moments after Nanai was sin-binned.
Referee Jorday Way called time with Samoa collecting five match points in their bid for World Cup qualification.
Belgium stun a World Cup regular
Against all odds, Belgium pulled off a major upset in the opening round of the Final Qualification Tournament, defeating Namibia 22–10 to set up a clash with Samoa for the final World Cup spot.
The Diables Noirs took control from the kick-off, carving out slick running lines that caught Namibia cold. After fifteen patient phases, prop Jean-Baptiste de Clercq crashed over for the opener, with Matias Remue adding the extras.
Jean Baptiste Declercq of Belgium celebrates scoring his team’s first try with teammates during the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament match between Belgium and Namibia at The Sevens Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Christopher Pike – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Namibia struggled to build any set-piece platform as Belgium executed an effective spoiling strategy, disrupting multiple scoring chances for the African side.
Remue’s penalty stretched the lead to ten points before Belgium set up camp deep in Namibian territory, where veteran scrum-half Julien Berger darted over for their second try.
The best Namibia could manage was a penalty kick converted by fly half Andre van der Berg, with Belgium going to the break with a 14-point score lead.
The second half descended into a scrappy affair marked by indiscipline, as both sides combined for 21 penalties and four yellow cards.
Namibian flanker Wian Conradie was sin-binned for a shoulder charge, quickly followed by Belgian winger Dazzy Cornez two minutes later. Max Katjijeko then joined them, opening the door for Belgium to strike again.
Blindside flanker Jean-Maurice Decubber powered over from close range to extend the lead to 19 points. Nevertheless, while they seemed in control, Belgium began racking up a series of penalties that would result in Vincent Tauzia being temporarily sent off.
With time running out, Namibia finally found their best form in the final ten minutes, scoring two tries that would earn them a precious losing bonus point with two rounds still to go.
After defeating the Netherlands and Canada in the months leading up to the Final Qualification Tournament, Belgium clinched another memorable result that might lead to Rugby World Cup qualification.
The Diables Noirs now face Brazil in round two, while Namibia take on Samoa. Should the Welwitschias lose again, they will be officially eliminated from Rugby World Cup contention — a first since 1995.
Round 2 – November 13
Belgium vs Brazil – 5 PM GST / 2 PM GMT
Samoa vs Namibia – 7.30 PM GST / 4.30 PM GMT