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Played at the Estadio Charrúa on Saturday Montevideo clubs Old Christians and Old Boys earned the right to compete in the national final.
In a great advertisement for Uruguayan rugby two competitive Semi Finals were played at the national home of rugby. Carrasco Polo took on Old Boys in the first Semi Final while Old Christians faced Trébol de Paysandú in the second.
Old Boys 19-18 Carrasco Polo
Old Boys were the first club to book a spot in the final. With a 19-18 win over the local side, Carrasco Polo they just managed to get the job done.
Early on it was all Carrasco Polo. A try to World Cup winger, Rodrigo Silva gave them a strong opening stand. It was converted by former Teros fullback Jerónimo Etcheverry.
Germán Albanell opened Old Boys’ account with a penalty. Soon thereafter he gave his side a 10-7 lead when he converted a try by Rugby World Cup 2015 captain, Santiago Vilaseca. Carrasco Polo hit-back through Etcheverry.
64 minutes in it was the turn of another World Cup player. Winger Santiago Gilbernau crossed for Carrasco Polo to make it a 15-13 scoreline. Old Boys responded with an additional penalty to set up a thrilling finish.
The game was decided in the final minute. A penalty by Albanell saw Old Boys winning a classic by the score of 19-18.
Old Christians 27-19 Trébol de Paysandú
Old Christians confirmed they would be taking-on Old Boys in the Final. Their eight point victory over Trébol de Paysandú came after a tight opening half.
With neither team able to score a first half try it was penalties which dominated the first half. The 12-9 scoreline was based on extreme competitiveness.
The beginning of the second half opened up the match. Andrés De León scored one try and kicked two penalties to give Old Christians a 22-12 lead.
Trébol de Paysandú hit-back to cut the lead to 22-19. Smart play saw Gringnola scoring a try which World Cup reserve scrum-half Alejó Durán converted.
Old Christians would not be fooled though as they hit back with immediate effect. With ten minutes remaining World Cup winger Leandro Leivas scored before Paul Johnson sealed a 34-19 win in the 79th minute.
