September 27, 2025, stands as the greatest day in the history of Chilean rugby. On that unforgettable evening, Los Cóndores secured qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2027 by defeating Samoa 31–12 in front of a sold-out crowd at Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar. It was a moment that transcended the final score, symbolizing years of effort and belief.
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Besides, steady progress was finally rewarded on the international stage. The match was the second leg of a home-and-away Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifying series between Chile and Samoa. The opening game had been played in Salt Lake City, Utah, rather than in Samoa, due to ongoing difficulties facing the Pacific nation.
Samoa entered the series under heavy strain, dealing with severe financial challenges, administrative instability, and allegations of corruption. Their problems were compounded by an inability to tour in November 2024 and the fact that they did not host a single test match during the entire 2025 season. Chile’s victory, however, was about far more than the circumstances of their opponent.
It represented the tangible results of long-term high-performance investment that has lifted the standard of Los Cóndores and captured the imagination of the Chilean public. The atmosphere inside Estadio Sausalito was electric, with noise levels so intense that referee Luke Pearce struggled at times to hear communication from the TMO and assistant referees.
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The Year That Redefined the Chilean Rugby World Cup
Fly-half Santiago Videla later admitted he could not hear questions during his post-match interview due to the constant roar from the stands. The result carried deep emotional significance for the players. Many within the squad felt overlooked and disrespected by World Rugby, particularly over the allocation of World Cup places.
South America was granted just one qualifying spot, while Asia received one despite not having any team with prior Rugby World Cup experience involved in their qualification process. For Chilean players and supporters, the sense of injustice only strengthened their resolve, and this victory felt like a powerful response. Chile’s triumph over Samoa capped a remarkable year.
Earlier in 2025, Los Cóndores claimed their first-ever win over Romania and followed it with a historic away victory against Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers. Those three results combined to make 2025 the most successful year Chilean rugby has ever experienced. Many argue it even surpassed 2022, when Chile defeated both Canada and the United States to qualify for their first Rugby World Cup.
That initial qualification and Chile’s appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France significantly elevated rugby’s profile nationwide. Interest surged, crowds grew, and belief deepened. Home matches in 2024 and 2025 attracted strong attendances, particularly in Viña del Mar, where supporters witnessed Chile defeat a nation that had twice reached the quarter-finals of a Rugby World Cup.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Chile Take Early Command
On the field, Chile set the tone early against Samoa. Santiago Videla kicked two penalties in the opening quarter to establish a 6–0 lead, while Samoa were reduced to fourteen men after Abraham Papali’i received a yellow card. Chile maintained control, and in the 24th minute, Diego Escobar won a high ball before linking with Benjamín Videla in the Rugby World Cup Final.
The scrum-half darted over for the opening try, which Santiago Videla converted to make it 13–0. Chile struck again soon after. Playing under advantage, Matías Garafulic kicked through the defensive line. Lolagi Visinia gathered the ball but was immediately tackled by Nicolás Saab and lost control. Iñaki Ayarza reacted quickest, grounding the loose ball for a fortuitous but deserved try.
Samoa responded before the break by tightening its discipline. After sustained pressure from their forwards, the ball was spread wide to the left, where centre Melani Nanai crossed for a try. Chile went into half-time leading 18–7, firmly in control but aware the contest was not yet decided. The third quarter was tense and scoreless until.
Samoa struck early through a rolling maul from a lineout, with Jonah Mau’u scoring. The conversion drifted wide, but the gap was suddenly reduced to six points, reigniting Samoan belief. Chile, however, showed maturity beyond its years. Rather than panic, they slowed the game, frustrated their opponents, and forced penalties in the Rugby World Cup Final.
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Rugby World Cup Semi Final: The Night Los Cóndores Came of Age
Santiago Videla calmly converted two shots at goal, extending Chile’s lead to 24–12 and sending the crowd into rapturous celebration. The defining moment came with three minutes remaining. Chile produced the try of the match as Nicolás Saab exchanged passes with Garafulic before slicing through the defense.
Saab dived under the posts to seal the victory, triggering scenes of pure joy among players and supporters alike. When the final whistle sounded, it marked more than a 31–12 win. It confirmed Chile’s arrival as a genuine force in the International Rugby World Cup semi-final. Years of planning, investment, and perseverance had been validated in front of a nation that had fully embraced its team.
September 27, 2025, will forever be remembered as the night Chilean rugby truly came of age. In the end, the final whistle at Estadio Sausalito marked far more than a 31–12 victory over Samoa. It confirmed Chile’s arrival as a genuine force in international rugby and validated years of hard work, investment, and belief.
Los Cóndores did not simply qualify for the Rugby World Cup Semi Final 2027; they did so by dominating a proud rugby nation on one of the most emotionally charged nights the sport has ever seen in Chile. The noise, the passion, and the scenes of celebration reflected a country that has fully embraced its team and its place on the global stage.
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