Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
How does Uruguay’s 38-29 win over Canada compare to historical results? The answer is that it is among Uruguay’s most significant achievements. It surpasses many of Los Teros’ most noteworthy results both in the recent and long-term past. It merits a place in Uruguay’s Top 5 Greatest Victories of all-time.
Uruguay has a proud history and has beaten a wide range of countries. The teams to have fallen to Los Teros are Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Georgia, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Namibia, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, USA and Venezuela. Of them 8 have played in Rugby World Cups.
Wins in Rugby World Cups are among the highest accomplishments for rugby players and teams the world over. Uruguay has achieved two and both make the list below of Uruguay’s Greatest 5 Victories. Two of the remaining three matches selected were Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
In the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2015 Uruguay recorded a 30-26 win over the Argentina XV. As significant of an achievement as that was the match was uncapped. It has therefore not been considered for a place in Uruguay’s Top 5 Greatest victories. The same is true of the 2017 win over Emerging Italy.
5 – Uruguay vs Spain, Galashiels – Rugby World Cup (1999)
Making the list at no 5 is Uruguay’s first ever appearance at a Rugby World Cup. The debut match against Spain in Scotland is highly memorable based on winning 27-15 but also for the rugby played. Uruguay’s players had a lot of fun in the match and scored some impressive tries. Alfonso Cardoso, Diego Ormaechea, and Juan Menchaca all crossed the line. Cardoso and Menchaca both did so from a long way out while a classic No8’s try saw Ormaechea setting two World Records – the oldest player to play in the World Cup at 40 and the oldest to score a try.
4 – Uruguay vs USA, Montevideo – Americas Rugby Championship (2016)
In the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship Uruguay had a strong campaign. Their highlight was the home victory over the USA. It was not only against a higher ranked rival but it involved Los Teros overcoming a second half deficit. Tries were scored from forwards Mario Sagario and Diego Magno. The match-clincher though came from Agustín Ormaechea’s five successful kicks at goal. The son of Diego Ormaechea was decisive in scoring points. His opportunities came from excellent work from what was a quintessential team effort.
3 – Uruguay vs Russia, Montevideo – Rugby World Cup Qualifier (2014)
Uruguay was very unlucky to miss out on qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2007. A red card in the Repechage Final against Portugal to Juan Carlos Bado was pivotal in missing out. Indeed, Uruguay won the match 18-12 despite having been a player down since early in the opening half. Overcoming Romania in the 2011 qualifiers was beyond Uruguay at the time. Thus when Uruguay faced Russia for a spot in Rugby World Cup 2015 they made sure to leave no stone unturned. Uruguay’s win came despite Russia leading at half time. In the end Uruguay won 36-27, doing so with 21 points from Felipe Berchesi and tries from Alejo Corral, Joaquín Prada, and Agustín Ormaechea.
2 – Uruguay vs Canada, Vancouver – Rugby World Cup Qualifier (2018)
Uruguay went to Vancouver and came away with a victory. It was a result which sent shockwaves throughout Canada. It was not that Canada had never lost against Uruguay before but, rather, the rugby played by the visitors and that they were able to win through scoring tries. Santiago Arata, Rodrigo Capó Ortega, Ignacio Dotti, Leandro Leivas, and Rodrigo Silva all crossed. Felipe Berchesi kicked 13 points but missed another 12. A feature of the match was Canada having more professional players yet Uruguay possessing home-based players who outperformed many of them.
1 – Uruguay vs Georgia, Sydney – Rugby World Cup (2003)
Uruguay’s greatest victory took place in Australia. In 2018 Georgia are a very respected team. In 2003 the Lelos were making their first appearance at a Rugby World Cup. They were not the force of 2015 yet gave South Africa a genuine match prior to facing Los Teros. Uruguay were well organized, having the means to direct play and outscore the Georgians. Tries from the South Americans came from Alfonso Cardoso, Diego Lamelas, and replacement Nicolas Brignoni. Lasting images from the match include players running into the crowd to celebrate the win with their traveling supporters.
