Samoan centre Melanie Nanai divers over in the corner for his try in the team’s 48-10 win over Brazil in Dubai. Photo: Supplied/Manu Samoa
Manu Samoa opened their Final Qualifying Tournament campaign for a 2027 Rugby World Cup spot with a big 48-10 bonus-point win over Brazil in Dubai.
The victory means they have one win down and two to go, with Namibia and Belgium the other teams in their way to booking a flight to Australia in two years.
Tamua Manu, who was yellow-carded in the first half, scored two tries in the clash.
Having lost their chance to quaIify during the Pacific Nations Cup series in July-August and losing the two-match qualifier series against Chile, the Samoans must win the current qualifier if they are to continue featuring at the World Cup.
It did not take them long in the game against Brazil, with fullback Jacob Umaga claiming the first points, with Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong breaking the line to set up the try.
Umaga's conversion and a penalty shortly after he broke the line and set up his full-back for the opening try. Umaga converted the two extra points and, five minutes later, added another three from a penalty conversion.
But ill-discipline, which had caused Samoa suspensions in the past, saw Manu sent off for a tip-tackle.
Luckily his yellow card was deemed enough punishment, as he returned later to take his place again on the field.
That one player mismatch gave Brazil some hope and wing Theo Bastardie got past Umaga and fly-half Rodney Iona to score his team's first test try against Samoa.
Winger Va’afauese Maliko on the attack against Brazil in Dubai. He scored a try in the 48-10 win. Photo: Supplied/Manu Samoa
However, the Samoans returned with two more tries through Manu and sevens star Va'afauese Maliko before the halftime break.
They led 29-5 at the breather.
With some urgency, the Pacific Islanders took the second half with pace and in-form centre Melani Nanai getting over for his try.
Number eight Iakopo Mapu got his way over for another try, showing immense power brushing aside several tacklers to reach the line, before Manu claimed his second try in the 57th minute.
Umaga converted both tries as Samoa led 48-5.
Brazil managed to get their second try through Henrique Ferreira.
Meanwhile, there was a major upset in the second game of the qualifier event, with Belgium pulled off a major 22-10 win over Namibia.
That means Namibia must win against Samoa in the second round to keep their hopes alive.
If Samoa wins that clash they will secure their spot in Australia in 2027.
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