Chris Hilsenbeck has kicked another match-winner in the World Rugby Nations Cup, slotting a 77th-minute conversion as the USA Eagles defeated Hong Kong China 28-26 in a thriller between two sides bound for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

Hilsenbeck was the hero the Eagles needed in the inaugural round of the all-new tournament, converting a long-range shot at the sticks against Portugal. The USA also beat Zimbabwe and Spain during the July Tests, and still remain unbeaten in the competition.

The USA brought an eventful fourth round to a fitting end, with the dramatic Test capping off an entertaining start to the Nations Cup’s second phase. Tonga, Georgia, Samoa, Portugal and Spain kicked off the November international window with hard-earned wins as well.

Romania scored 38 points in the first match of the round, but it still wasn’t enough to secure a victory against a confident Tongan side. Highlanders-bound first-half Patrick Pellegrini finished with a game-high 13 points, while Semisi Paea topped the tackle charts with 13.

Marius Simionsescu helped Romania get off to a dream start, with the fullback touching down for the opener in the fifth minute. But Tonga hit back with three tries during the first quarter, with Veikoso Poloniati, Taniela Filimone and John Tapueluelu all making their mark.

Tonga raced out to a 12-point lead but Romania were still well and truly in the fight, even making it a one-score game before the break. Lulian Hartig and Tudor Butnariu crossed for a late try each, before a Pellegrini penalty make it a 22-17 ball game.

Both teams scored three tries each during the second term, with replacement tighthead Gheorge Gajion completing a double in the 78^th minute. Only five points separated the teams but Tonga held on for a statement result on the road.

Canada claimed a third-place finish at the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup in Japan, with their sole loss coming against Nations Championship outfit Fiji. But the Canadians weren’t able build on that with a win first-up, falling to World Cup regulars Georgia 59-14.

Georgia fly-half Luka Matkava slotted six shots at the sticks, while every back other than scrum-half Vasil Lobzhanidze got on the scoresheet. Aka Tabutsadze crossed for a double, with Georgia piling on 49 unanswered points.

Former All Blacks Shaun Stevenson and Josh Ioane debuted for Manu Samoa, who ran away with a dominant 43-7 victory against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe were held scoreless until the 67^th minute, just after Stevenson had been shown a yellow card.

Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong ran in a hat-trick of tries, and Miracle Faiilagi also crossed the try line as Samoa ran in 38 unanswered. With this result, Samoa are back in the Nations Cup winners circle, having lost two of their July Tests to Georgia and Romania.

Portugal led for more than 60 minutes in their 36-15 triumph over Chile, who actually struck first through centre Matias Garafulic. Raimundo Martinez helped the South American side regain the lead later in the half, before a yellow card to Garafulic proved decisive.

Portugal reduced the deficit to two points with a Samuel Marques penalty goal and then took the lead with a David Wallis try. Ultimately, it was a lead Portugal wouldn’t surrender, although Chile did make a two-point game before the break.

But second-half tries to Raffaele Storti (double) and Andrew Cunha saw Os Lobos extend their lead to almost 20 points by full-time. Portugal have a 3-1 record going into round five, and Spain have that same record.

Spain were beaten by the United States in July but are now winners yet again, with replacement back Gauthier Mingullion crossing for a late match-winner. They had been trailing Uruguay by a single point when Mingullion placed the ball down with five minutes remaining.

Uruguay had 52 per cent possession in the final 10 minutes but Spain held on 18-12, setting the scene for a clash with Chile next weekend. But as things stand, there are only two unbeaten teams left in the Nations Cup, and the USA Eagles are one of them.

Hilsenbeck’s late heroics saw the Eagles improve their record to 4-0, with a points differential of +26. The USA hadn’t won an official Test since the July internationals back will now take a wealth of confidence into a round five showdown with Romania.

World Rugby Nations Cup round four results