LAST CHANCE IN DUBAI TO QUALIFY FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP

The pressure’s building high above Dubai as the captains of Belgium, Brazil, Namibia, and Samoa gather for the Men’s Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament.

Over the next two weeks at The Sevens Stadium, only one of these four nations will claim the final spot for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

For Samoa, it’s a last chance to restore pride after a tough season that saw them finish bottom of the Pacific Nations Cup and lose a play-off to Chile.

Captain Theo McFarland isn’t hiding from the pressure. “It’s definitely tough,” he said, “but pressure’s part of the job. We’re just focusing on the moment and trusting the process.”

Their clash with Namibia on November 13 could decide everything.

Namibia, ranked 27th in the world, knows what’s required.

“It’s going to take guts,” said Captain Louis van der Westhuizen. They’ve appeared at seven straight World Cups, but nothing’s guaranteed now.

For Belgium and Brazil, this tournament could change everything.

Brazil captain Lorenzo Massari called it a “privilege” to compete for such a prize, while Belgium’s Jean-Maurice Decubber insisted his team’s confidence isn’t shaken.

Four teams, one ticket to Australia and no second chances.

Image credit: Pacific Islands News