As Manu Samoa gears up to confront Belgium in a critical matchup on Tuesday, November 18, they are seeking to secure the final qualifying spot for the Rugby World Cup 2027 set to take place in Australia. Captain Theodore McFarland has urged the nation to support the team through prayers and moral backing as they aim to cement their place in the tournament.
In a thrilling qualification tournament staged in Dubai, both Samoa and Belgium showcased impressive performances, notching victories on the second match day. Belgium narrowly defeated Namibia and displayed resilience against Brazil, finishing the latter match with a thrilling 30-27 victory, clinched by a late try from replacement prop Maxime Jadot. Meanwhile, Samoa, following a strong opening win over Brazil, demonstrated dominance in their next outing against Namibia, concluding the match with a score of 26-8.
This upcoming clash holds significant weight, especially for Samoa, who has been a consistent presence in every Rugby World Cup since their historic debut in 1991. Despite facing challenges, including the recent loss to Chile and the absence of top players, the squad has rallied with renewed spirit—thanks in part to a public appeal by former captain Filipo Levi, urging players to step up for the final qualification rounds.
Samoa’s last encounter against Namibia was marked by a professional display, with the team controlling the match right from the onset. They went into halftime with a 19-0 lead, thanks to tries from scrum-half Jonathan Taumateine and wingers Va’afauese Apelu Maliko and Latrell Ah-Kiong. Full-back Jacob Umaga added two conversions, which were vital in establishing Samoa’s commanding presence.
As the second half progressed, Namibia sought to turn the tide, managing to trim the scoreline with a penalty goal before Samoa responded decisively with a driving maul that led to a try by flanker Alamanda Motuga. Despite some concerns over turnover rates, Samoa’s disciplined approach and strategic play helped maintain control of the match and ultimately secure their victory.
Samoa’s head coach Lemalu Tusiata Pusi noted that while areas such as improved turnover management need addressing, there are signs of the team hitting form at the right time. The remarkable depth added by new players, including former Australian prop Scott Sio, has bolstered the squad’s performance significantly.
This next match against Belgium will be a historic moment for both teams, as they vie for a cherished place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With a passionate fan base supporting them, Samoa aims to overcome this final hurdle and extend their storied legacy in international rugby.