Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
A late penalty goal from Jorge Abecasis lifted Portugal to a famous win over Fiji at the World Rugby u20 Trophy on Wednesday. The 16-13 result sees Portugal emerge undefeated and on top of Pool B, which means they advance to the Final with a shot at promotion to the 2018 World Rugby u20 Championship. It also means that Uruguay, who earlier in the day thumped Hong Kong by 66-10, are knocked out of Final contention and will instead play for 3rd place.
It was far from smooth sailing for the Portuguese, who led 13-0 at the break but allowed Fiji back in the game and set the scene for a dramatic conclusion. With time nearly up on the clock a penalty conceded in kickable range gave Jamie Kotz a chance to level the scores.
A draw would have been enough for Uruguay to advance to the Final but the rugby gods did not hear their prayers this time. The ball rang off the uprights and Portugal cleared to win the game, or so they thought. Instead the referee indicated that their was still time for one final lineout with Fiji to throw in. It was not to be, however, as Portugal nabbed the throw and again kicked to touch, officially ending the match.
Joining Portugal in the Final will be pre-tournament favorites Japan, who got past a resilient but ultimately second-best Namibia by 33-13 in the Pool A decider. A hat-trick to bruising flanker Faulua Makisi underscored the victory that was hotly contested until the second half when Japan notched 19 unanswered points to come away with the convincing win. Namibia will go on to face the Teritos for 3rd place overall.
A disappointed Fiji will take on Chile, who surprised Canada with a 45-28 win in the first match of the day. The Canadians will look to salvage some pride against Hong Kong with both sides in search of their first victory in Uruguay, the loser to take home the imaginary Wooden Spoon.
The final day of action will be on Sunday as the teams return to Montevideo and the Estadio Charrúa. All matches will be streamed live by World Rugby.
7th place – 10:00 local, 09:00 ET – Canada vs Hong Kong
5th place – 12:00 local, 11:00 ET – Chile vs Fiji
3rd place – 14:00 local, 13:00 ET – Namibia vs Uruguay
1st place – 16:00 local, 15:00 ET – Japan vs Portugal
