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How to tune into Sport NationSamoa's Rugby World Cup escape highlights their 'steep decline'
Sport Nation • November 19th, 2025 11:29 am
Photo: Photosport
Samoa may have booked the final spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but the way they got there has stirred up big questions, and Lima Sopoaga isn’t holding back.
What was meant to be a winner-takes-all clash turned into a tense 13–13 draw with Belgium in Dubai, a result that pushed Samoa through by just a single point in the qualification group.
For a nation that once reached World Cup quarter-finals, scraping through like this didn’t sit easily with the former All Black and Manu Samoa playmaker.
“I think it’s a crazy way to end the game on a draw for a World Cup qualifier,” Sopoaga told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
“I feel like there’s got to be a winner in that game… it’s pretty outrageous if you ask me, that someone sneaks through on a draw.”
For him, the result is a symptom of something deeper.
“It’s clear where they are. Taking the last spot and sneaking in on the draw shows the steep decline.”
Lima Sopoaga reacts to Izzy's voice mail after Ranfurly Shield loss | Scotty & Izzy
Sopoaga lays the blame squarely at the top.
“It’s from the top down and there needs to be a big clear out. Those who are running it shouldn’t be where they are… All the talent in the world, but yeah, playing for that last qualifying spot’s pretty tough to watch.”
And the frustration isn’t limited to fans, it’s driving players away.
“There are guys who can play who have turned themselves away from playing because they are sick of what’s going on at the top.”
He even admits the harsh thought that crossed his mind.
“A part of me sort of thought maybe it would have taken Samoa missing out for it to all finally change.”
But Samoa are in - and Sopoaga fears that means old issues will simply be swept aside again.
“We go to another World Cup, and we mask over those same problems, yet the same problems will continue to happen until those changes at the top happen at board level.”
Listen to the full interview below:
