Samoa Clinches World Cup Spot in Nail-biting Draw

Samoa qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup after a tense 13-13 draw against Belgium in Dubai. Both teams beat Brazil and Namibia earlier in the tournament, but Samoa advanced due to a bonus point. Samoa's hard-fought qualification denied Belgium their first World Cup appearance.

Samoa clinched their place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup after a nerve-racking 13-13 draw against Belgium. The tightly contested match allowed the Pacific Islanders to progress based on a vital bonus point accumulated during the qualifying rounds.

The gripping encounter, held in Dubai, witnessed both Samoa and Belgium overcoming Brazil and Namibia in earlier matches. However, Samoa's slight edge in bonus points secured their advancement, leaving Belgium's hopes for a debut shattered.

Replacement forward Abraham Papali'i's try, alongside Jacob Umaga's strategic kicking, kept Samoa in the game, while Belgium tried to overturn the result with a late try. Samoa captain Theo McFarland lauded the effort despite the challenging match-up.

(With inputs from agencies.)