Belgium, Samoa Reach 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifier Final

Belgium and Samoa secured their places in the final of the Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament on Thursday, defeating Brazil and Namibia respectively at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. The two undefeated teams will now face each other on November 18 for the right to claim the 24th and final berth at next year's expanded tournament in Australia.

In a tense encounter, Belgium edged Brazil 30-27 to remain on course for a historic debut at the World Cup. The European side, known as the Diables Noirs, started strongly, racing to a 14-0 lead with tries from prop Charles-Henri Berguet and captain Jean-Maurice Decubber, both converted by flyhalf Matias Remue. Brazil responded before halftime, with lock Matteo Dell'Acqua crossing for a try converted by fullback Thiago Oviedo, narrowing the gap to 14-7.

The second half turned chaotic for Belgium, who lost lock Toon Deceuninck to a yellow card on 47 minutes and prop Berguet to a red card two minutes later for kicking an opponent. Reduced to 13 players, Belgium trailed 17-14 after a try from replacement Yan Rosetti and a conversion by Lucas Tranquez. Remue leveled the scores with a penalty at 17-17, then added another to regain...