The Spanish national rugby team delivered a strong performance in the opening match of the La Vila International Cup under the guidance of their new Argentinian head coach, Pablo Bouza. The fixture ended with a 42-20 victory over Canada, setting a confident tone for the tournament as Spain advances toward the semi-finals and eyes a possible rematch with the United States in the final. This marks a constructive start for a squad eager to showcase cohesion and competitive ambition on an international stage.
La Vila, world rugby center
In the early stages, Spain found its rhythm and broke ahead, building a sizeable lead before halftime. Canada regrouped after the break, tightening its defense and pressing to close the gap, yet the Spaniards maintained control and kept the scoreboard moving in their favor. The second half featured a tactical shift from the North Americans, who improved in defense and nervelessly narrowed the deficit, but Bouza’s team remained poised and answered every push with purpose.
The initial burst of scoring came when Spain created sustained pressure and converted opportunities with precision. Tani Bay and Ekain Imaz crossed the line, while Iñaki Mateu converted several key kicks to extend the advantage and put the match out of reach, especially during the first half. The team demonstrated strong finishing and intelligent game management, allowing them to build a commanding lead that set the tone for the remainder of the night.
The halftime score stood at 36-6, a margin that reflected Spain’s superior execution in offense and discipline in defense. Canada did not fold, however, and returned with renewed energy after the break, scoring two tries to reduce the gap to 35-20. Spain answered with composure, adding another score and sealing the result as the final seconds ticked away. The victory confirms Spain’s place in the tournament final and highlights the depth of their squad as they head toward the championship game. [World Rugby]
USA beat Brazil
Across the other semi-final, the United States produced a dominant display, defeating Brazil by a wide margin of 48-3. The American side controlled the pace from the start and never ceded momentum, setting up a highly anticipated final clash with Spain. Brazil and Canada will meet in the third-place match on the El Pantano field next Saturday at 16:00, while Spain and the USA are scheduled to contest the title on the same venue from 20:00 local time. This match-up promises a high-stakes conclusion to a tournament that has drawn strong crowds and attention across the rugby world. [World Rugby]
Both teams arrive at the final with clear objectives: Spain aims to capitalize on early gains under Bouza and demonstrate rapid adaptation at a high level, while the United States seeks to translate persistent forward pressure into a decisive victory. The stage is set for a dramatic finale that could shape the trajectory of both programs as they look ahead to future international competitions and potential pathway events in the regional circuit. [World Rugby]