Chile crowned ARCh u20 Champions

With a 25-11 win over Paraguay on Saturday Chile were crowned Americas Rugby Challenge (ARCh) u20s champions for 2019. The Four Nations tournament in Asunción featured Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Paraguay.

Chile’s 14 point victory saw them going through the ARCh undefeated. Their win over Paraguay followed convincing victories over both Colombia, and Mexico.

Paraguay completed the tournament in second position, doing so after claiming wins over Colombia, and Mexico. Colombia’s narrow 21-19 defeat against Paraguay made them firm favorites against Mexico, a match in which they would win 17-10 on Saturday.

Chile’s title crowning victory began well. Lucas Sandoval got the scoring underway with two penalties in the opening nine minutes. Four minutes later he would then convert the game’s opening try which was scored by Benjamín Goñi.

Trailing 13-0 Paraguay looked to their leading player of the competition to respond. Marcelo Matiauda landed a penalty in what would be Paraguay’s only points of the half. With Chile also unable to add to their strong start Los Cóndores went into half time leading by 10 points.

Paraguay were a much more demanding prospect after half time. Matiauda opened the second half scoring by landing a 45th minute penalty. It would be followed by a period of tension with both teams losing players to yellow cards.

With six minutes remaining in the match Balthazar crossed for the match winning try for Los Cóndores. Sandoval added the conversion while a further try would see Chile reaching 25 points. Paraguay also scored a late try with Ariel Nunez touching down in the 79th minute.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHALLENGE U20S RESULTS

Sun Aug 11: Chile 44-10 Colombia
Sun Aug 11: Paraguay 73-17 Mexico

Wed Aug 14: Chile 66-18 Mexico
Wed Aug 14: Paraguay 21-19 Colombia

Sat Aug 17: Paraguay 11-25 Chile
Sat Aug 17: Colombia 17-10 Mexico