Dramatic Draw in Salt Lake City
The national rugby team of Chile, known as Los Cóndores, secured a 32-32 draw against Samoa in the opening leg of their Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifying series. The intense match unfolded on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the America First Field Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This result leaves both teams with everything to play for in the upcoming second leg.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
The game was a seesaw battle, with Chile initially dominating the scoreboard. Los Cóndores established a significant lead, going into halftime with a 25-8 advantage. Key scoring moments for Chile included tries from Javier Eissmann, Matías Garafulic, who scored twice, and Santiago Pedrero. Fly-half Santiago Videla contributed with conversions and penalties.
However, Samoa, often referred to as Manu Samoa, mounted a strong comeback in the second half. Their tries came from Theodore Steffany, Latrell Ah Kiong, Alamanda Motuga, and a crucial brace from Abraham Papali'i. Veteran kicker Christian Leali'ifano was instrumental in converting Samoa's opportunities. A yellow card issued to Samoa's Iakopo Mapu in the first half did not deter their eventual resurgence. The equalizer came in the 80+3' minute, with Papali'i touching down to level the scores.
World Cup Qualification at Stake
This two-match series is a critical step on the 'Road to Australia 2027'. The aggregate winner of this qualifier will secure a direct berth in the Rugby World Cup 2027. The losing team, however, will still have a chance to qualify through a final repechage tournament scheduled for November in Dubai, where they would join other nations vying for the last remaining spot.
The draw sets up a thrilling conclusion to the qualification battle. The second and decisive leg of the series will be hosted by Chile on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar. Both teams, coached by Pablo Lemoine for Chile and Tusi Pisi for Samoa, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and previous experience, respectively, to secure their place in the prestigious global tournament.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
The first half showed Chile's incredible potential, but the second half collapse definitely highlights areas for improvement before the next leg.
Ongania
While securing a draw against Samoa is commendable, losing a significant lead like that will be a tough pill to swallow for the coaching staff.
Manolo Noriega
This result keeps Chile in the qualification hunt, which is positive, but the momentum Samoa gained from their comeback could be a factor in the return fixture.
Fuerza
It was an incredibly exciting match for neutrals, yet Chile will be frustrated knowing they were so close to a decisive win and let it slip away.
Manolo Noriega
Unacceptable to let Samoa come back like that. Poor finishing.