Two years ago, it was still just a beautiful dream, a crazy and unattainable goal. A small country of 11.5 million people like Belgium, with just 13,000 license holders, at the 2027 Rugby World Cup? Impossible. This Tuesday, in Dubai, the Black Devils – their nickname for the Red Devils in football – have the chance to achieve a monumental feat and punch their ticket to Australia.
The challenge is immense, commensurate with the rewards. Because opposite him is this Tuesday (16:30) the Samoan
“But we really believe in it,” promised scrum-half Isaac Montoisy, who was deployed on the wing for this final. Until then, we refuse to talk about Samoa, we are really working step by step. It was clear that the purpose of coming here was to qualify. Namibia wins, Brazil too, we have 80 minutes left to make history. »
Samoa, one step further
The pace was even higher with Samoa, who were surprisingly beaten by the United States in the Pacific qualifiers, forcing them through this final repechage tournament. “Samoa is a bigger part of Namibia, that’s for sure,” said Matias Remue, a defender at Stade Toulouse. It will be a physical game but we are ready for it. I have full confidence in the team, we will have a big game. »
Authors of a thunderous start to the match during their first two meetings, the Black Devils knew that their salvation would come through collective fight. Because on paper, with players playing at ASM Clermont, Saracens, Stade Français or Harlequins, Samoa benefits from a more efficient squad. Which Belgium hopes to fight together.
“We have a crazy atmosphere in the group, that’s also what makes us strong on the pitch,” said Isaac Montoisy. We’ve all known each other for years, we really like each other, we use the word family and don’t overuse it. We fight like brothers on the field, we push the limits together, we are truly ready to die for our teammates. »
“As long as I still have a soul, I will fight for you”
Even more so for a match this big. “Each of us is ready to leave everything we have,” emphasized Matias Remue. It took us a long time to get here, so this game represents a lot of things. For everything we have done and what the elders have done, we will give everything, that is a certainty. »
On social networks, the call from the heart of the pillar Jean-Baptiste de Clercq, previously in charge of Stade Français and Bayonne now in Albi, proves his self-sacrifice and unwavering will. “I may not be the most physical, I may be fat, but before I give up, I have to die,” he shouted. Because I will not let go of this team. As long as I am not dead, as long as I still have a soul, I will fight for you, because I love you. »
A fitting speech against Namibia, despite being used to the World Cup. “We must not forget that rugby is a collective combat sport, we have aspects of war, values to fight for,” stressed Isaac Montoisy. The pre-match speeches are always a special moment and when we enter the field, we are ready to fight to defend our colours. This is something important. It is our courage and solidarity that will bear fruit. »
“We reached maturity”
The dream was worth all these sacrifices. The reason is that several years ago, the Black Devils did not expect that they would get such a big opportunity. “Recently, after the victory against the Netherlands that qualified us for this qualifying tournament, the World Cup crossed our minds,” assured Matias Remue. When we were young it wasn’t a topic of discussion, it seemed inaccessible. »
Since the arrival of Laurent Dossat, the former Niort coach, in the summer of 2023, Belgium, which also benefited from the expansion of the World Cup to 24 teams, is no longer the same team. “He was able to gather all the best players, find an agreement with the club and create a real group of friends, which obviously made for a very good mix,” said Isaac Montoisy. He also brings a style of play that suits our qualities and values, with a solid attacking presence and a knack for counter-attacking. We are reaching maturity. »
