Overview
- Belgium beat Rugby World Cup regulars Namibia 22-15, earning an opening-round win and leaving Namibia with only a losing bonus point.
- Samoa overpowered Brazil 48-10 for a five-point, bonus-point start that positions them strongly in the standings.
- Only the tournament winner qualifies for Australia 2027, heightening the stakes as the field narrows after the first round.
- Round 2 is set for November 13, with Belgium facing Brazil and Samoa meeting Namibia at Dubai’s Sevens Stadium.
- Jacob Umaga scored the opening try and kicked five conversions and a penalty for Samoa, while Belgium’s Jean‑Baptiste De Clercq, Julien Berger and Jean‑Maurice Decubber crossed for tries.