RWC 2027 Final Qualification Tournament Match Day One Ultimate Preview
The RWC 2027 Final Qualification Tournament kicks off on November 8, featuring four nations vying for a crucial spot in Australia for the Rugby World Cup. The tournament will unfold at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai and runs until November 18. The competing teams are Belgium, Brazil, Namibia, and Samoa, with each nation looking to secure its position in rugby history.
Format and Schedule of the Tournament
The tournament employs a single round robin format across three match days: November 8, November 13, and November 18. Every team will play against all others, making each match vital. A single loss could end hopes of qualification for the Rugby World Cup.
Match Day One Highlights
- Samoa vs. Brazil
- Time: 17:00 local (GMT+4)
- Venue: The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
- Belgium vs. Namibia
- Time: 19:30 local (GMT+4)
- Venue: The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Team Changes and Player Highlights
Samoa vs. Brazil
This match marks the first-ever encounter between Samoa and Brazil. Samoa will introduce nine new players following their loss to Chile in September, including hooker Millenium Sanerivi and captain Theo McFarland. Jacob Umaga will make his second test appearance for Samoa after switching allegiance from England due to changes in player eligibility rules.
Brazil has made six changes to their roster after losing to Paraguay, led by new captain Lorenzo Massari. Veteran number eight André Arruda will play his 50th test match, bringing vital experience to the team’s attack. The Brazilian squad features a mix of international talent, strengthening their chances in this competitive tournament.
Belgium vs. Namibia
Both Belgium and Namibia are under pressure for this opening match, understanding its importance for their hopes of advancing. Belgium has demonstrated outstanding form and relies on their performance at the breakdown, while Namibia has welcomed recent changes in coaching, including former Springbok Pieter Rossouw.
Belgium’s key players include captain Jean-Maurice Decubber and fly-half Matias Remue. Namibia will look toward flanker Wian Conradie, noted for his strong performance in the Major League Rugby season.
Match Day Squads
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| Samoa | 1. Jarred Adams, 2. Millenium Sanerivi, 3. Tietie Tuimauga, 4. Benjamin Petaia Nee Nee, 5. Michael Curry, 6. Theo McFarland (C), 7. Alamanda Motuga, 8. Iakopo Mapu, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Rodney Iona, 11. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko, 12. Tumua Manu, 13. Melani Nanai, 14. Latrell Ah Kiong, 15. Jacob Umaga |
| Brazil | 1. Caique Segura, 2. Wilton Rebolo, 3. Leonel Moreno, 4. Matteo Dell’Acqua, 5. Gabriel Oliveira, 6. Adrio de Melo, 7. Matheus Cláudio, 8. André Arruda, 9. Lucas Spago, 10. João do Amaral, 11. Robert Tenório, 12. Raphael Hollister, 13. Lorenzo Massari (C), 14. Théo Bastardie, 15. Lucas Tranquez |
| Belgium | 1. Charlesty Berguet, 2. Alexandre Raynier, 3. Jean-Baptiste De Clercq, 4. Toon Deceuninck, 5. Maximilien Hendrickx, 6. Jean-Maurice Decubber (C), 7. William Van Bost, 8. Felipe Geraghty, 9. Julien Berger, 10. Matias Remue, 11. Thomas Wallraf, 12. Maxime Vacquier, 13. Florian Remue, 14. Ervin Muric, 15. Simeon Soenen |
| Namibia | 1. Otja Auala, 2. Louis van der Westhuizen (C), 3. Haitembu Shikufa, 4. Adriaan Ludick, 5. Tiaan de Klerk, 6. Wian Conradie, 7. Max Katjijeko, 8. Adriaan Booysen, 9. Helarius Kisting, 10. Andre van der Berg, 11. JC Greyling, 12. Danco Burger (VC), 13. Johan Deysel, 14. Divan Rossouw, 15. Jay-Cee Nel |
Viewing Options
Matches at The Sevens Stadium are free to attend for rugby fans. For those unable to attend, the tournament will be available globally through local broadcasters or via RugbyPass TV at no charge.
