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Paraguay edged out Colombia in an Americas Rugby Challenge u20s classic on Tuesday. Los Yakáres held on to be 21-19 winners in a match in which they had been leading 21-0.
Paraguay opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Continuing his excellent form from the match against Mexico was goal-kicker Marcelo Matiauda. His strike gave Paraguay a 3-0 lead which he could turn into a 6-0 lead after 16 minutes.
The opening try of the game followed seven minutes later. Scoring the first was Juan José Benza and then Matiauda quickly scored again to put Paraguay 18-0 ahead against Los Tucanes. The scoring would remain as such until half time.
In the second half Paraguay took three minutes to add to their points. They would do so via a 43rd minute penalty. It gave the home side a 21-0 lead in what was their final scoring occasion of the match.
Down 21-0 Los Tucanes bravely fought their way back. In the 50th minute Jorge Gamboa scored for a try converted by Daniel Villa. Then in the 54th minute Alejandro Guisao scored a sensational intercept try.
A third Colombian try would follow this time with Sebastián Benítez going over. The 60th minute score set-up a classic finish in which the score was locked at 21-19 and would remain so for the final quarter of play.
The win was the second victory for Paraguay in the Americas Rugby Challenge u20s. It followed their 73-17 triumph over Mexico on Sunday. Colombia’s loss against Paraguay was their second. In their opening match the Colombians were beaten 44-10 by Chile.
In the final round of the Americas Rugby Challenge u20s Paraguay will face Chile in the Final while Colombia take-on Mexico in the Bronze Final. Both matches will be played on Saturday, also in Asunción, Paraguay.
