Netherlands Show Promise Despite Spanish Victory

An inexperienced Netherlands side, carrying a combined total of just 92 international caps, produced a spirited performance despite falling to a 33–51 defeat against Spain. While the scoreboard favoured the visitors, the young Dutch team showed resilience, attacking ambition, and plenty of promise for the future.

Early Pressure and Spanish Control

The opening stages saw the Netherlands forced into heavy defensive work, making a high number of tackles as Spain dominated territory and possession. Credit to the Dutch defence, which held firm for long periods, although Spain’s powerful ball carriers regularly managed to cross the advantage line and apply pressure.

Spain capitalised on their early momentum, scoring two tries and adding a penalty to establish a 15–0 lead within the opening quarter.

Dutch Response Shows Patience

The Netherlands gradually worked their way into the contest. Their first real opportunity came from a lineout inside the Spanish 22 metres. Showing patience and composure, the Dutch attack moved the ball from touchline to touchline before Te Campbell finished in the corner. Vikas Meijer added the conversion to bring the score back to 7–15 after 22 minutes.

Spain responded quickly, however, as debutant Martiniano Cian Garcia crossed just three minutes later to extend the lead to 7–22. The Dutch would shortly rue a missed opportunity when a lineout just outside the Spanish 22 was lost, allowing Spain an easy exit and relieving pressure.

Spain’s Quality Shines Through

Spain demonstrated why they remain one of Rugby Europe’s strongest sides, producing moments of outstanding attacking rugby. A beautifully worked try finished by Alberto Carmona Molina stretched the lead to 7–29.

The Netherlands refused to fade. Scrum-half Boris Hadinegoro continually tested the Spanish defence around the breakdown, and his probing play helped create space for Bjorn Dolman to score in the corner. Meijer was unable to add the conversion, leaving the score at 12–29.

Spain had the final say of the half, with Carmona Molina crossing again for his second try, sending the teams into the break with Spain leading 12–34.

Second Half Battle and Setback

The second half began positively for both sides, with each team adding points to the scoreboard. After 55 minutes, the Netherlands trailed 19–39 but continued to show attacking intent.

The turning point came shortly afterwards when Dutch number six Spike Salman received a red card following a breakdown incident involving head contact. Spain made full use of the numerical advantage, scoring again to push the score to 19–46 after 63 minutes.

Dutch Fightback and Positives to Take Forward

To their credit, the Netherlands responded immediately. Bjorn Dolman crossed for his second try of the match, bringing the score to 26–46 and marking the highest number of points the Netherlands have ever scored against Spain.

The match eventually concluded at 33–51 in favour of Spain, but there were clear positives for the hosts. The Dutch attack showed creativity and confidence, scoring tries from across the field, while defensively the team produced several strong passages against a powerful Spanish side.

Any international team capable of scoring over 30 points demonstrates genuine attacking potential, and this young Dutch squad showed they have the tools to compete as they continue to develop within Rugby Europe.

Captain Mees Voets reflected positively after the match:

“Of course losing is not great, but the boys never gave up. I’m really happy about that.”