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Spain and Samoa favourites for World Cup spots

In round two of WXV3 Spain and Samoa secured wins that all-but put them in next year's World Cup

Published by World Rugby, October 5th, 2024

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Spain and Samoa favourites for World Cup spots

Fiji 17-45 Samoa

A brilliant break by scrum-half France Bloomfield created the opening score for Samoa inside three minutes at The Sevens Stadium as Linda Fiafia finished in the right corner.

Cassie Siataga missed the touchline conversion but was successful with a penalty shortly afterwards to stretch her side’s lead to eight points.

Fiji cut their deficit to a single point around 10 minutes later though as number eight Karalaini Naisewa touched down at the base of a powerful attacking scrum.

Luisa Tisolo added the conversion, but Samoa restored their eight-point lead almost immediately as Ana Mamea went over and Siataga added the extras.

Two more successful Siataga penalties stretched the Samoan advantage still further before the break, Manusina heading into half-time 21-7 in front.

Fiji had an Adita Milinia try ruled out for obstruction at the end of the first half but Tisolo reignited their hopes of a revival as she crossed the whitewash early in the second.

The full-back converted to bring her side within seven points again. However, she was shown a yellow card soon after and Samoa took full advantage.

Manusina scored through Karla Wright-Akeli and Bloomfield while they had a player advantage, and the latter then added another with 10 minutes to play.

Tisolo did get her second and Fiji’s third try late on but the result was beyond them by then and Easter Savelio added a sixth Samoan try to round off a comprehensive performance.

Netherlands 0-20 Spain

Spain had never lost to the Netherlands in 13 previous meetings but with Women’s RWC qualification on the line they found the Dutch a much more stubborn prospect in Dubai.

Las Leonas fly-half Armalia Argudo kicked the first points of the match in the 20th minute, however, some stubborn defence and a Clara Piquero knock-on meant that was the way the score remained at the break.

Cristina Blanco did find a way through the Dutch defence seven minutes into the second half, piloting a driving maul that crashed over the try line.

That kick-started a profitable 13 minutes for Spain, who scored further tries through Lourdes Alameda and Carmen Castellucci.

Both scores came from close range but if spectators expected the floodgates to open in the closing quarter, then they were to be disappointed.

Spain were unable to get the try bonus point but will head into their final match with Fiji next weekend in a great position to seal both the WXV 3 title and their place at Women’s RWC 2025.

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