Uruguay change seven for Hong Kong

With a spot in the World Rugby u20 Trophy Final possibly on the line after their stunning win over Fiji on Saturday, Uruguay have opted to make seven changes for their match against Hong Kong in Punta del Este on Wednesday. A victory is required but they will also need some help if they are to have a shot at promotion. A loss to Portugal in the opening round means that Fiji must win the match immediately following for the Teritos to make the Final.

Only three players in the forward pack are retained with several first choice players rested or retained as replacements. The new front row is Agustín Sosa, Matías Aboy, and Reinaldo Piussi while Lukas Bergengruen comes in for Joaquín García at lock. Saturday’s man-of-the-match Manuel Ardao gives way to Martín Darracq on the flank while try-scoring Juan Garese is given a day off.

The backs contain two changes. Marcos Pastore replaces Juan Manuel Fernández at outside centre and Valentin Grille comes in on the right wing with Alejo Piazza at fullback. Matías D’Avanzo has been replaced in the squad by new call-up Juan Francisco Medeiros, who covers flyhalf from the bench.

Kickoff is set for 1:30pm local, 12:30pm Eastern. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.

URUGUAY
1 Agustín Sosa, 2 Matías Aboy, 3 Reinaldo Piussi, 4 Lukas Bergengruen, 5 Manuel Leindekar, 6 Martín Darracq, 7 James McCubbin, 8 Santiago Civetta, 9 Joaquín Freitas, 10 Juan Martín Cattivelli, 11 Martín Fitipaldo, 12 Agustín Della Corte (capt.), 13 Marcos Pastore, 14 Valentin Grille, 15 Alejo Piazza

Replacements: 16 Yamandú Arburúas, 17 Guillermo Pujadas, 18 Joaquín García, 19 Manuel Ardao, 20 Manuel Portela, 21 Juan Nicola, 22 Juan Francisco Medeiros