Los Pumas 7s fall to South Africa in Viña del Mar

On the opening day of this weekend’s international Rugby Sevens tournament Los Pumas 7s fell to South Africa in Viña del Mar, Chile. With two wins and one loss, Argentina came through the opening day at the Casillero del Diablo 7s as the second best side.

Playing with a roster featuring a number of players called up to Los Pumas 7’s for the first time, the Argentine side defeated comparable sides from North America. Both Canada and the USA were also playing with experimental rosters. Los Pumas 7’s first defeated the USA Falcons 22-7 and followed it up with a  22-5 win over the Canadians.

Bringing the day to a close, Los Pumas 7’s lost 24-7 against South Africa, the same side which Argentina had defeated at the final of the American Sevens last weekend in Mar del Plata. I came after the USA saw off Canada, winning 21-17 to make it one win and two losses for the day.

Meanwhile in the Hong Kong Sevens qualification section Chile and Brazil secured their places in the tournament to be played in April.

Also in action in Viña del Mar were a number of clubs from both Chile and Argentina. Performing well was Córdoba Athletic, the winners of the Punta del Este 7s last month in Uruguay.

Day 1 Results
Old Mackayans 24-0 Old Boys
PWCC 17-14 Old Georgians
Córdoba Athletic 14-12 Huazihul
Liceo 12-14 San Juan
Chile 31-0 Peru
Brazil 19-12 Uruguay
Canada 0-40 South Africa
USA 7-22 Argentina
Old MacKayans 31-5 Stade Français
PWCC 7-5 Old Reds
Córdoba Athletic 17-14 Old John’s
Liceo 14-12 Sporting
Uruguay 33-7 Peru
Chile 24-0 Brazil
USA 7-33 South Africa
Canada 5-22 Argentina
Stade Français 33-0 Old Boys
Old Reds 12-5 Old Georgians
Old John’s 17-21 Huazihul
Sporting 12-7 San Juan
Brazil 56-7 Peru
Uruguay 10-26 Chile
Canada 17-21 USA
Argentina 7-24 South Africa