Spain qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023

Spain qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023

Spain have booked their place at subsequent 12 months’s Rugby World Cup after beating Portugal 33-28 in Madrid.

The group rushed onto the pitch on the closing whistle to have fun with the gamers as los Leones certified for the lads’s international showpiece for the primary time since 1999 and solely the second time of their historical past.

This Rugby Europe Championship (REC) win ensured they’ll end second within the mixed desk of 2021 and 2022 outcomes so undergo to France 2023 as Europe Two.

With a lot using on the end result it was little shock that it was such a good contest, however at any time when momentum appeared to be swinging Portugal’s method, Spain upped the tempo to create one other scoring alternative.

They touched down 4 occasions within the first half to the guests’ two, with tighthead prop Jon Zabala scoring the opening strive by bursting into the 22 and over the road.

Simao Bento bought Portugal’s first strive earlier than Fred Quercy and Marco Pinto scored for the hosts. Even when Pedro Bettencourt surged by means of a gap within the thirty third minute to cut back Spain’s result in simply two factors, Portugal couldn’t exert extra strain because the hosts elevated the pace of their play as soon as extra and Pinto bought his second to make sure a 24-17 lead on the break.

After all of the tries of the opening 40 minutes, the following half-hour was dominated by Manuel Ordas (Spain) and Samuel Marques (Portugal) exchanging penalties.

Spain led 33-23 going into the ultimate 5 minutes, when Portugal arrange camp of their 22 – and created a tense end.

Jose Madeira ultimately bought over within the nook within the closing minute, with Spain decreased to 14 gamers, to make it 33-28. They usually had one final alternative to attain once more from the restart, however they conceded a penalty on the breakdown and victory was Spain’s.

Georgia’s qualification for the World Cup was assured following the choice to award 4 factors to Russia’s opponents for matches that may’t be performed following their suspension. The Lelos’ 26-23 victory over Romania ensures they undergo as Europe One and be part of Pool C with  Australia, Wales, Fiji and the Ultimate Qualifier winner.

Georgia prime the mixed desk of REC outcomes from 2021 and 2022 on 39 factors with one sport nonetheless to play, whereas Spain can’t be surpassed in second spot on 29 factors. They go into Pool B with Eire, Scotland, South Africa and Asia/Pacific One.

Associated: Rugby World Cup fixtures

The crew that finishes third within the mixed desk has a second probability to make it to France 2023 within the Ultimate Qualifier event later this 12 months.

Romania (23) are two factors behind Portugal (25), who’ve now performed all their REC matches, however are in pole place to take that third-place slot as a result of they are going to be anticipated to select up a most 5 match factors from their closing sport towards Netherlands, who’ve but to win a match they’ve performed within the REC over the previous two years.

Spain qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023

Rugby World Options Editor Alan Dymock’s verdict from Madrid 

If ever there was a match to point out the vibrancy of rugby exterior of the ‘Large Take a look at’ institution, this one in Madrid was it. A whopping prize to play for, a showdown between neighbours, a primary half to get you off your seat and a second wrought with rigidity and a good few errors. And the ambiance within the floor was very good.

Alternatives got here and went all through the second half however as the load of what was at stake floor all sides down, there was a see-saw nature to the motion. Each hit, each step, each dropped ball despatched shudders by means of the group.

Up entrance Spain’s Jon Zabala and Manuel Mora put in a hell of a shift, whereas Portugal’s goalkicking 9 Samuel Marques was a flapping, ball-carrying, shouting, squirming nuisance all sport.

A lineout for Portugal from 5 metres out, with 4 minutes left to play? You higher consider it. They had been ten factors behind and wanted a strive desperately. However what met them was a hellcat defence. As Spain pressured the knock-on, the bottom erupted. Again and again Portugal knocked on the door, however their closing strive was too little too late.

Spain are into the Rugby World Cup for the primary time since 1999 and also you higher consider they’re partying prefer it’s that 12 months, once more. Vamos!

Obtain the digital version of Rugby World straight to your pill or subscribe to the print version to get the journal delivered to your door.

Comply with Rugby World on Fb, Instagram and Twitter.