The United States booked their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after defeating Samoa 29-13 on Sunday to finish fifth in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Flyhalf Luke Carty made an impact off the bench, scoring one try and setting up another for winger Toby Fricker, while captain Jason Damm and hooker Kaleb Geiger crossed late to seal victory for the 19th-ranked Eagles against 14th-ranked Samoa.
After missing out on qualification for the 2023 World Cup in France, the U.S. are now assured of spots at the next two editions — Australia in 2027 and as hosts in 2031.
With Fiji and Japan already qualified, three further places were available through the Pacific Nations Cup. Tonga and Canada claimed two, leaving the U.S. and Samoa to battle for the final slot. Samoa will still have another chance to qualify via a playoff series against Chile.
Later on Sunday, Fiji and Japan both advanced to next week’s Cup final, setting up a rematch of last year’s decider. Japan exploded in the second half to beat Tonga 62-24, while Fiji thrashed Canada 63-10.
Japan led 21-19 at halftime despite Tonga enjoying the majority of possession and territory. A dominant second-half performance saw the Brave Blossoms run in five tries, including a penalty try. “We were happy with our set piece and continued to fight for 80 minutes against a physical Tonga team,” said Japan prop Shuhi Takeuchi, the player of the match.
Fiji, meanwhile, stormed to a 43-3 halftime lead over Canada, scoring six tries before the break. Wingers Kalaveti Ravouvou and Taniela Rakuro combined for five tries, with Ravouvou completing a hat-trick.
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Earlier, the U.S. edged a tight contest against Samoa with five lead changes before pulling clear in the final quarter. “We knew we were going to get it done,” captain Damm said. “To do it here in front of our home crowd, cheering us on the whole game is incredible.”
The Eagles’ kicking game and ability to force turnovers at the breakdown proved decisive. Carty’s pinpoint pass created Fricker’s first-half try, while his 65th-minute score gave the U.S. breathing space. Damm and Geiger then added tries in quick succession to confirm qualification.
Source: Agency