Hilsenbeck seals USA's fifth straight win as Spain also survive Nations Cup thrillers

Chris Hilsenbeck delivered another late match-winner as the USA Eagles defeated Hong Kong China 28-26 in the World Rugby Nations Cup on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run in the competition. The fly-half’s 77th-minute conversion settled a tense contest between two sides already qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

Hilsenbeck had previously been the hero in the inaugural round, slotting a long-range conversion to beat Portugal. The Eagles had also beaten Zimbabwe and Spain during the July Tests, and they remain the only undefeated side in the Nations Cup.

The USA’s dramatic victory rounded off a compelling fourth round that produced results across the board. Tonga, Georgia, Samoa, Portugal and Spain all claimed wins in the November international window.

Tonga edged out Romania in a high-scoring encounter despite the Romanians posting 38 points. Highlanders-bound first five Patrick Pellegrini finished with a game-high 13 points for Tonga, while Semisi Paea led the tackle count with 13. Romania fullback Marius Simionsescu opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but Tonga responded with three first-quarter tries through Veikoso Poloniati, Taniela Filimone and John Tapueluelu. Romania fought back to trail by just five at the final whistle — replacement tighthead Gheorge Gajion completing a double in the 78th minute — but Tonga held on for a statement road win.

Georgia dismantled Canada 59-14, with fly-half Luka Matkava converting six shots at goal and every back bar scrum-half Vasil Lobzhanidze crossing the whitewash. Aka Tabutsadze scored a brace as Georgia piled on 49 unanswered points. Canada had finished third at the Pacific Nations Cup in Japan, their only defeat coming against Fiji, but they were unable to carry that momentum into the Nations Cup.

Manu Samoa ran in a dominant 43-7 victory over Zimbabwe, with former All Blacks Shaun Stevenson and Josh Ioane making their Samoa debuts. Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong claimed a hat-trick and Miracle Faiilagi also crossed as Samoa scored 38 unanswered points. Zimbabwe did not register until the 67th minute, just after Stevenson had been shown a yellow card. The result puts Samoa back in the winners’ circle after losing two of their July Tests to Georgia and Romania.

Portugal led for more than 60 minutes in a 36-15 triumph over Chile, who struck first through centre Matias Garafulic before Portugal took control and pulled clear.