u20 Trophy Preview – Uruguay vs Canada

The two Americas representatives at the World Rugby u20 Trophy will go head-to-head in Bucharest as Uruguay take on Canada in the first match of the second round on Saturday. Both sides will have been disappointed with the result in their opening match. Uruguay were overwhelmed by the dominant Fijian ball carriers while Canada suffered a second-half collapse against Portugal.

Los Teritos have opted to make just four changes to the side. Felipe Aliaga replaces Joaquín García at lock and James McCubbin swaps in for Juan Garese on the flank. Alfonso Costa gets a chance on the wing with José Iruleguy at fullback. Dropping to the bench are Baltazar Amaya and Matías D’Avanzo.

Canada have also resisted mass alterations. Owain Ruttan comes in on the blindside flank to offer a more balanced look to the back row, with openside specialist Peter Ingoldsby moving to the bench. Sevens international Josiah Morra replaces Jack McCarthy on the wing in the only change to the backs division.

Establishing rhythm early will be the key task for both sides. Canada enjoyed a purple patch in the minutes leading into halftime against Portugal but otherwise looked scattered and panicky. Uruguay showed promise going forward but their defense let them down.

The goal-kicking of Will Percillier is an advantage for Canada. By contrast Uruguay went through three kickers with only Juan Martín Cattivelli showing any accuracy. With both teams likely out of final contention it’s third place they will be targeting. Whatever their goal, this game is do-or-die with the loser certain to finish in the bottom half of the competition.

Kickoff is set for 1pm local, 6am Eastern, 7am Montevideo. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.

URUGUAY
1 Joaquín Jaunsolo, 2 Emiliano Faccennini, 3 Reinaldo Piussi, 4 Martín Darracq, 5 Felipe Aliaga, 6 Manuel Ardao, 7 James McCubbin, 8 Santiago Civetta (capt.), 9 Juan Nicola, 10 Juan Martín Cattivelli, 11 Mateo Viñals, 12 Manuel Portela, 13 Valentín Grille, 14 Alfonso Costa, 15 José Iruleguy

Replacements: 16 Nicolás Buysan, 17 Francisco Martirena, 18 Ignacio Peculo, 19 Joaquín García, 20 Maxime Sonneveld, 21 Juan Garese, 22 Matías D’Avanzo, 23 Baltazar Amaya, 24 César Riviere, 25 Juan Francisco Torres, 26 Alfonso Cat

CANADA
1 Gavin Kratz, 2 Jack McRogers, 3 Tyler Rowland, 4 Reid Davis, 5 Quentin James, 6 Owain Ruttan, 7 James O’Neill (capt.), 8 Michael Smith, 9 Will Percillier, 10 Campbell Clarke, 11 Josiah Morra, 12 Kevin Vertkas, 13 Seth Purdey, 14 Elias Ergas, 15 Brennig Prevost

Replacements: 16 Tyler Rockwell, 17 Emerson Prior, 18 Guerschom Mukendi, 19 Peter Ingoldsby, 20 Jackson Matthews, 21 Brandon Schellenberger, 22 Lachlan Kratz, 23 Jack McCarthy, 24 Tyler Duguid, 25 Mitchell Wainman, 26 Gabriel Casey

Date: Saturday, September 1
Venue: Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
Kickoff: 13:00 local (03:00 Pacific, 06:00 Eastern, 07:00 Montevideo)
Broadcasts: World Rugby