Mons, Belgium – The Belgian national rugby team, known as the ‘Black Devils,’ advanced to the fifth-place playoff match in the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship after a dominant 38-15 victory over the Netherlands on Saturday. The win follows a previous victory against Germany (18-3) and solidifies Belgium’s position in the competition, despite being eliminated from contention for the semi-finals earlier in the tournament.
The Black Devils started strongly, quickly establishing a 20-0 lead in the first half, fueled by tries from Guillem Fernandez Grau and Julien Berger. However, the team faced a setback before halftime with the expulsion of Berger, leaving them to play a significant portion of the match with a numerical disadvantage. Despite this, Belgium maintained a comfortable lead at the break, holding a 20-5 advantage.
The second half saw Belgium continue to control the game, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess despite being a player down. Florian Remue proved crucial with his accurate kicking, successfully converting penalties and conversions, adding to the team’s score. Fernandez Grau further cemented the victory with a second try late in the match, bringing the final score to 38-15. This result confirms Belgium’s participation in the match to determine fifth place in the Rugby Europe Championship 2026.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Belgium’s rapid start against the Netherlands was a key factor in their success. The early tries by Fernandez Grau and Berger, a player who currently plays for Rouen Normandie Rugby in France, according to AllRugby.com, established a significant psychological advantage and set immediate pressure on the Dutch side. The quick scoring pace demonstrated Belgium’s attacking intent and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Fernandez Grau’s Impact and Remue’s Precision
Guillem Fernandez Grau, who plays as an outside back for Belgium and is 33 years old, according to RugbyPass, proved to be a pivotal player in the victory, scoring two crucial tries. His performance highlighted his importance to the Belgian attack. Complementing Grau’s efforts was Florian Remue, whose flawless kicking display ensured that Belgium consistently added points to their tally, maximizing their scoring opportunities. Remue’s ability to convert both penalties and conversions proved vital, particularly in the second half when the team was reduced to 14 players.
Navigating Numerical Disadvantage
The red card issued to Julien Berger presented a significant challenge for the Black Devils. However, the team demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical adaptability, maintaining their dominance despite being a player down. This resilience underscores the team’s depth and their ability to adjust their strategy in response to adversity. The ability to continue scoring and controlling possession although shorthanded speaks to the team’s overall quality and determination.
Looking Ahead: Fifth-Place Playoff
With this victory, Belgium will now compete for fifth place in the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship. The opponent for this playoff match has not yet been determined, but the Black Devils will undoubtedly aim to build on their recent successes and finish the tournament on a high note. The Rugby Europe Championship continues to provide a platform for developing nations to showcase their rugby talent, and Belgium’s performance demonstrates their growing competitiveness within the European rugby landscape. The tournament, as noted by RTBF, is a key proving ground for players aiming to make an impact on the international stage.
The team’s performance throughout the championship, including their wins against Germany and the Netherlands, suggests a positive trajectory for Belgian rugby. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Black Devils perform in their upcoming fifth-place playoff match.
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