Uruguay XV Win in Medellín

The Uruguay XV opened their Sudamericano 6 Naciones A campaign today, winning in Medellín. The 26-5 victory saw some impressive tries scored and also a committed effort from the hosts.

A strong early start from Uruguay saw Andrés De León scoring. The flyhalf’s try was converted by right winger Federico Favaro. The promising start appeared to be a sign of dark skies for Los Tucanes. Yet with the Colombians competing ferociously at the breakdown the Uruguay XV had it tough.

Minutes later Colombia had an opportunity to hit back. Committed play saw them pressuring the Uruguay XV. Their pressure resulted in penalties being awarded, as Colombia proved to be sharp at the breakdown. Los Tucanes’ kick at goal, though, was unsuccessful.

Uruguay’s finishing abilities would make up for their ill discipline. When they got it right they scored. Crossing for the Uruguay XV’s second try was Manuel Diana. The No8’s score was converted by Favaro.

On the stroke of half time Colombia got on the board. They did so through a try and their supporters at the Estadio Cincuentenario Anota cheered loudly. Arley Urrutia’s try would not be converted.

The Uruguay XV’s 14-5 half time lead was far lower than expected. Colombia’s performance was impressive but questions remained as to how they would perform in the second half.

The defensive effort continued to be noteworthy from Los Tucanes. The Uruguay XV was constantly penalized at the breakdown, often out of frustration as the Colombians were defending for long periods.

The Uruguay XV would, nonetheless, go on to score two unanswered tries in the second half. Scrumhalf Tomás Inciarte and inside center Facundo Klappenbach both touched down. Favaro was on target in converting Inciarte’s try.

Both teams play again next Saturday. The Uruguay XV all have home advantage against Chile in Montevideo while Colombia face Paraguay away in Asunción.

 

SCORING

COLOMBIA 5
Tries – A. Urrutia (24’)
Cons – E. Bedoya 0/1
Pens – E. Bedoya 0/1
Drop goals – J. Diosa 0/1

URUGUAY XV 26
Tries – A. De León (2’), M. Diana (15’), T. Inciarte (54’) F. Klappenbach (59’)
Cons – F. Favaro 3/4 (3’, 16’, 55’)

 

TEAMS

COLOMBIA
1 Mauricio Espinal (17 Héctor Navarro 67’), 2 Jorge Álvarez, 3 Andrés Arango (16 Diego Posada 46’), 4 Santiago Mejía (20 Danny Giraldo 50’), 5 Jhon Carlos Álvarez (18 Johan Larrota 73’), 6 Gerson Ortiz, 7 Diver Ceballos, 8 Sebastián Mejía (capt.), 9 Alejo Vanegas (21 Julián Navarro 50’), 10 Emmanuel Bedoya (22 Johan Ortiz HT), 11 Arley Urrutia, 12 José Manuel Diosa, 13 Juan Dávila, 14 Juan Sebastián Giraldo (23 Neider García HT), 15 Andrés Álvarez

Not used: 19 Felipe Aguirre

URUGUAY XV
1 Matías Benítez (17 Mateo Sanguinetti 58’), 2 Facundo Gattas (16 Marcos Chamyan 60’), 3 Felipe Inciarte (18 Guillermo Pujadas 50’), 4 Gonzalo Soto, 5 Juan Diego Quintero (19 Eric Dosantos 50’), 6 Leandro Segredo, 7 Juan Diego Ormaechea (capt.) (20 Germán Kigel 58’), 8 Manuel Diana, 9 Tomás Inciarte (21 Matías Risso 62’), 10 Andrés De León (22 Germán Albanell 50’), 11 Manuel Portela (23 Martín Fitipaldo 62’), 12 Marcos Pastore, 13 Facundo Klappenbach, 14 Federico Favaro, 15 Manuel Blengio

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Henrique Platais (CBRu)
Assistants: Juan Pablo Arbeláez (FCR) & Daniel Sánchez (FCR)