Samoa and to Belgium kicked off their Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament campaigns with impressive wins in Dubai on Saturday.
Samoa produced a dominant display to outclass Brazil 48–10 in a one-sided contest, while Belgium held off a late Namibia surge to claim a 22–15 victory in the day’s earlier fixture.
Samoa 48–10 Brazil
Samoa, ranked 16th in the world, were ruthless in attack as they ran in seven tries to ease past 32nd-ranked Brazil.
Jacob Umaga led from the front with a personal haul that included a try, five conversions, and a penalty. Millennium Sanerivi, Tumua Manu, Vaafauese Apelu Maliko, Melani Nanai, and Iakopo Petelo-Mapu also touched down as Samoa built a commanding 29–5 lead at halftime.
Theo Bastardie crossed early for Brazil before Henrique Ribeiro Ferreira grabbed a consolation try late in the second half, but Samoa’s power and tempo proved too much throughout.
Belgium 22–15 Namibia
Belgium on the other hand beat Namibia to register a famous win. The 22nd-ranked Europeans flew out of the blocks with early tries from Jean Baptiste Declercq and Julien Berger to lead 17–3 at the break.
Jean Maurice Decubber added a third try after the interval, while Matias Remue contributed seven points from the tee. Namibia rallied late with tries from Johan Luttig and Johan Deysel, but Belgium held firm to secure a statement win.
The results leave Samoa and Belgium well placed heading into the next round of fixtures as they chase the final qualification spot for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
