Rugby World Cup qualifiers dealt five cards in Nations Cup as Europe dominates

Rugby World Cup regulars Georgia and Chile have gone top of Pools A and B in the World Rugby Nations Cup after two rounds, which proved to be a strong round for the European nations.

South America’s Chile continued their high-scoring ways with a 38-17 victory over Hong Kong China, who had to deal with four yellow card and an additional red card after 20-year-old lock Lachlan Doheny was given his second.

Hong Kong China, who have qualified for their first Rugby World Cup in 2027, were unable to control their discipline as Chile took the lead in the 8th minute via a penalty try and never looked back.

The six tries to two victory at Estadio Sausalito propelled them to the top of Pool A. No.8 Raimundo Martinez scored twice, while prop Inaki Gurruchaga and reserve scrumhalf Marcelo Torrealba also scored. Winger Nicolas Saab, who had Chile’s only line break, scored the other.

Seven-time Rugby World Cup qualifiers Georgia topped Pool B with a comprehensive 33-12 win over Samoa, also at Estadio Sausalito in Viña Del Mar, Chile.

Four penalties from the boot of Luka Matkava combined with three tries kept Georgia in the lead for the entire afternoon, leading for 94 per cent of the game.

The European nations fared the best in round two with Romania coming away with a thrilling 36-all draw with Uruguay, Georgia downing Samoa, Spain defeating Tonga 32-19 and Portugal pulling off a big 38-14 win over Canada in Edmonton.

Portugal’s classy backs had a field day at Clarke Stadium, with inside centre Tomas Appleton scoring a double, his midfield partner Guilherme Vasconcelos also crossed once, while right wing Raffaele Storti also scored a brace.

USA overcame Zimbabwe after a half-time 15-12 deficit, blowing away the visitors in the second half for a 31-15 win.

Left wing Perry Mayo scored a stunner in the first half for USA, while two tries to Nathan Den Hoedt (56′), Cory Daniel (77′) in the second half combined with three penalties from the boot of Jack Carty preserved the lead. 

There are only three undefeated teams remaining, including USA, Georgia and Chile heading into round three.