Whilst the rugby world’s attention was distracted by events at Twickenham, Turin and T’Aviva Stadium, there was plenty of action amongst the T2 nations that had huge implications for the rugby World Cup in 2027 and the general reputation of some of the game’s most beloved minnows. Here’s what happened…
Whilst the rugby world’s attention was distracted by events at Twickenham, Turin and T’Aviva Stadium, there was plenty of action amongst the T2 nations that had huge implications for the rugby World Cup in 2027 and the general reputation of some of the game’s most beloved minnows. Here’s what happened…
Canada’s victory over the USA was starting to feel like a very long time ago as Georgian winger Aptsiauri weaved between 5 would be tacklers to register the first of his 3 tries on Saturday. In the end he contributed 50% of the host’s scores as the Georgian backs – who are their real point of difference at T2 level – looked a cut above their slower, less agile Canadian foes.
There was little to nothing for the North Americans to cheer as Davit Niniashvili continued to make a mockery of defenders well into the 2nd half. Canada did get a score of their own from close range in the 56th minute but it was 38-10 even with Georgia reduced to 13 men for the final 10 minutes, a final late try for Canada made it a more respectable but still one-sided 38-17 defeat at full time.
Portugal came into this match desperate for some positivity after what has been a demoralising 2025 so far with multiple embarrassing defeats. Fortunately, Asian champions Hong Kong were in an accommodating mood as they surrendered 9 tries in all and 36 unanswered point is the 2nd half.
Under the watchful eye of top referee Hollie Davidson, Hong Kong did threaten to make a game of it in the first half, scoring 2 tries to make it 22-12 at the break. However, they collapsed after the restart and were at one point down to 13 men. There was a clear athletic disparity between the sides as Portugal’s speed and fitness blue Hong Kong off the park. 58-12 was the final score, setting the hosts up for their final game of the season against Canada next week.
The third game to be played in Europe last weekend was far more competitive. USA came into this one buoyed by a much improved performance against Georgia whilst Romania put a disappointing summer behind them with a win over Canada. The first half an hour was tight affair with USA leading the hosts 2 penalty goals to 1 before Cory Daniel struck from close range to extend USA’s league to two scores. Romania hit back within a minute however as winger Manumua completed an extended Romanian attack by smashing over the top of Toby Friker.
Luke Carty added a final penalty before the break to keep the hosts at arms length, which proved valudable as they were reduced to 14 men in the 49th minute. It stayed close until another try on 62 minutes took USA past 20 points. They went on to hold off Romania until after the full time hooter when Chirica went over for a consolation. 26-18 a positive end to the USA’s season whilst Romania face Uruguay next week.
Samoa continued their quest for a World Cup sport with a comfortable win over African side Namibia in Dubai. They started the game quickly with 2 tries in the first 10 minutes and had another ruled out before a third followed in the 25th minute. From there the pacific islanders eased off and the game went scrappy.
At times the dual playmakers of Rodeny Iona and Jacob Umaga combined well, with the latter having his best game in blue so far. 4th try on 54 minutes secured the bonus point for the Samoans, but Namibia actually won the 2nd half 8-7 thanks to a late score from Nel plus a 3 pointer from Loubser. Clearly, though, Samoa’s attention had by then shifted to their final game just 6 days later. For Namibia, their World Cup dreams were over.
This was the game of the week. Belgium went 14-0 up in the first dozen minutes and looked well on top before Brazil snuck one back 5 minutes from the half. A penalty goal after the restart brought the game within a point before Belgium began to fall apart.
First, a yellow card took them down to 14, then Brazil scored a 2nd try to take the lead, then Belgium got a red card just 2 minutes later! Behind on the scoreboard and down to 13, it looked as if their World Cups dreams were slipping away, only for them to show great heart to get back into the lead from 2 penalties via the boot of Reume. Brazil then retook the lead via a penalty of their own before Reume crossed for a try, swinging the lead pack once again.
With just 7 minutes to go Brazil looked to have sealed it with a converted try by Moreno, but Belgium refused to quit. Reume had missed a couple of kicks by this point so when awarded a penalty in the 77th minute, they opted to go for the corner. Right at the death, Jadot got over the line to give Belgium a thrilling 30-27 victory and maintain their unbeaten record. They go on to play a winner takes all showdown against Samoa on Tuesday.