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Paraguay hammered Mexico 73-17 in the opening round of the Americas Rugby Challenge u20s on Sunday. The lopsided victory was the ideal start for the home team in the Four Nations tournament which also involves Chile, and Colombia.
The Paraguayans played some excellent rugby yet it would be Mexico who would open the scoring. Doing so for Las Serpientes was Guillermo Villalpardo who slotted a 5th minute penalty to give Mexico a 3-0 lead.
Ariel Nuñez opened Paraguay’s account in the 10th minute. Marcelo Matiauda landed the conversion to give the home side a 7-3 advantage. Paraguay would retain the lead for the remainder of the contest.
Matiauda would be called upon to kick for goal following three raid-fire tries to Paraguay. Scoring were Luciano Altabe, Rafael Bareiro, and Matiauba himself. With it Paraguay was 35-0 ahead.
Mexico’s opening try would follow with Enrique Carmona scoring a 35th minute try which made it a 35-10 scoreline. It would be followed by Nuñez scoring two more tries to complete a hat-trick. Matiauda would again be on target from the kicking-tee to give Paraguay a 49-10 lead.
Fewer points were scored in the second half by both teams but Paraguay would again score more than that of Mexico. Nicolás Arias, Nicolás Caceres, and Matiauda would each touch down for Paraguay with Matiauda converting all three tries.
Mexico would score the final points, however, with Diego Sánchez crossing for a try. Sánchez’ 80th minute score would end proceedings with Paraguay winning 73-17.
The Americas Rugby Challenge u20s will continue on Wednesday. Paraguay will be up against Colombia while Mexico will face Chile.
