Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament will enter matchday two this weekend with two matches lined up for Saturday 12 November at the Sevens Stadium.
USA Eagles head to matchday two perched on top of the log with five points. They lead the Final Qualification Tournament table on points difference from Portugal after both teams picked up bonus-point wins in the first round of matches at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
USA’s Determination
There has only ever been one Rugby World Cup without the USA present, in South Africa in 1995, and the current crop of Eagles showed their determination not to miss out again with a 68-14 win over an outgunned Kenya.
Portugal who displayed some of the brilliant attacking rugby they are renowned for in beating a determined Hong Kong 42-14 have an inferior point difference and are second on the log.
Os Lobos are looking to qualify for a Rugby World Cup for the first time since 2007.
Hong Kong and Kenya Simbas failed to get points from day one defeats and will be keen to earn some points this weekend.
The Simbas will take on second-placed Portugal in the early kick-off match scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 PM East African Time as they hope to rise from the bottom.
USA on the other hand will take on Hong Kong in the late kick match set for 5:30 EAT.
The winners of the round-robin Final Qualification Tournament will claim the 20th and final ticket to Rugby World Cup 2023 and take their place in Pool C alongside Wales, Australia, Fiji and Georgia.
Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament fixtures
United States 68–14 Kenya Simbas
Portugal 42–14 Hong Kong
12 November 2022- 1500
Portugal v Kenya Simbas- The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
United States v Hong Kong-The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
