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Argentina, and Chile impressed on day one of the 2019 Seven Punta. Played today in Punta del Este, Uruguay the opening day of the two day competition saw some high quality rugby being played in what is the 30th edition of the annual tournament.
In Pool A Chile went undefeated. Los Cóndores’ 7’s began with a 28-21 win over Germany. It came from a 21-7 half time lead and saw Chile taking their feet off the accelerator as Germany ran in late points. In their second and third games of the day Chile defeated Paraguay 47-0 and the USA Falcons 27-5.
The results see Chile claiming top spot of Pool A and the USA Falcons finishing second. It sees Chile getting a day two quarter final against the Canada Maple Leafs while the USA Falcons will be up against Argentina.
| COUNTRY | POINTS |
| Chile | 9 |
| USA | 6 |
| Germany | 5 |
| Paraguay | 5 |
In Pool B all eyes were on reigning champions South Africa. As has been the case in prior years the team selected was an academy side. But hosts Uruguay would upset South Africa on day one, completing a hard-fought 7-0 victory.
The win was Uruguay’s third for the day and was the final fixture. It followed earlier convincing wins from Los Teros with Colombia and Russia losing 19-7 and 26-10 respectively. The unbeaten day sees Uruguay sealing a quarter final against Germany.
Colombia’s performances were of merit. Los Tucanes demonstrated that they are ready to compete at this level. Rugby is genuinely booming in Colombia and there is reason to feel confident in the future with a move towards Tier 2 status plausible within a generation.
| COUNTRY | POINTS |
| Uruguay | 9 |
| South Africa | 6 |
| Colombia | 5 |
| Russia | 5 |
Argentina was the leading team in Pool C and finished the day as the country with the most tries and best overall record. Luciano González was named Player of the Day for his performances in beating Portugal, Brazil, and the Canada Maple Leafs.
Argentina roomed past Brazil, wining 40-0 to open their campaign. It was followed by an even bigger result, a 47-0 win over Portugal. Game three for Los Pumas 7’s was the toughest as Canada scored first and dominated the opening half. Ultimately, however, Argentina had the means to rack-up quick second half points to win 35-5.
Argentina’s day one results see the country placed in pole position. A quarter final against the USA Falcons was the prize while Portugal did enough to finish in second spot to secure a quarter final against South Africa. Canada face Chile as the best overall third-placed side from the pools.
Canada started and ended below par. They were upset 26-21 by the Portuguese in their opening match. From there the North Americans recovered to hammer Brazil 33-7. Os Tupis did not have a day to remember with all teams beating them heavily. They finished as the worst team of day one.
| COUNTRY | POINTS |
| Argentina | 9 |
| Portugal | 7 |
| Canada | 4 |
| Brazil | 3 |
Day two of the 2019 Punta Seven will be played on Sunday. All twelve countries will return for further rugby either in the Gold Cup or the Honor Cup. The Gold Cup will consist of eight countries with the four remaining sides competing in the Honor Cup. Those four are to be Colombia, Paraguay, Russia, and Brazil.
RESULTS – DAY ONE
| LOCAL TIME | RESULT |
| 4:25pm | Chile 28-21 Germany |
| 4:47pm | USA 38-0 Paraguay |
| 5:09pm | Canada 21-26 Portugal |
| 5:31pm | Argentina 40-0 Brazil |
| 5:53pm | Uruguay 19-7 Colombia |
| 6:15pm | South Africa 26-5 Russia |
| 6:37pm | Chile 47-0 Paraguay |
| 6:59pm | USA 26-26 Germany |
| 7:21pm | Canada 33-7 Brazil |
| 7:43pm | Argentina 47-0 Portugal |
| 8:05pm | Uruguay 26-10 Russia |
| 8:27pm | South Africa 10-0 Colombia |
| 8:49pm | Germany 33-17 Paraguay |
| 9:11pm | Brazil 5-42 Portugal |
| 9:33pm | USA 5-27 Chile |
| 9:55pm | Colombia 14-14 Russia |
| 10:17pm | Argentina 35-5 Canada |
| 10:39pm | Uruguay 7-0 South Africa |
