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The 2020 South American 4 Nations will take place this month in Montevideo. The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) and other annual components of the calendar.
The South American 4 Nations marks Uruguay’s first appearance since RWC 2019. However, it will not be as Los Teros, but the Uruguay XV. The decision comes due to COVID-19 which has prevented rugby from being played in three of the four participating countries.
There will be no caps awarded nor rankings on the line. The 2020 South American 4 Nations is, nonetheless, vital for Uruguay. It marks the beginning of the road to RWC 2023. Uruguay are seeking a record-setting third consecutive appearance at a Rugby World Cup. Los Teros played at RWCs 1999, 2003, 2015, and 2019.
Head Coach: Uruguay’s impressive RWC 2019 saw seen stability; Esteban Meneses was re-signed as Head Coach. The Argentine masterminded more than Los Teros’ win over Fiji. Under his command, Uruguay experienced golden years. First, Uruguay claims wins over Canada and the USA in the Americas Rugby Championship. Second, Uruguay toured Namibia, winning a two match series 2-0. Third, Uruguay defeated Romania on the road. Fourth, Los Teros defeated Canada home-and-away to qualify directly for RWC 2019 as Americas 2.
CAPTAIN: Juan Manuel Gaminara captained Uruguay during the RWC 2015-2019 cycle. He decided against playing professional rugby. The captaincy has been passed down from one veteran to another. The new skipper is Andrés Vilaseca. The inside center played at RWCs 2015 and 2019 and has amassed 59 caps. He has played in both Major League Rugby and the Súper Liga Americana Rugby. He is the younger brother of Uruguay’s RWC 2015 captain, Santiago Vilaseca.
STAR PLAYER: Followers of Major League Rugby know all about Manuel Diana. The Toronto Arrows N8 impressed at RWC 2019. He was a try scorer against Fiji and was a menace to the opposition at the breakdown. He defense, ball-carrying, and decision making place him as one of Uruguay’s leading players fir the RWC 2019-2023 cycle.
ONE TO WATCH: Uruguay is without European-based players. Among the missing men are scrum halves Santiago Arata, and Agustín Ormaechea; and fly half Felipe Berchesi. This leaves Uruguay with youth and inexperience in the positions. This represents a genuine opportunity for Felipe Etcheverry. The 24-year-old went not only went to RWC 2019, he was a replacement in the win over Fiji. He is an exciting player who runs attacking lines and has fancy foot-work.
OUTLOOK: Uruguay are a mix of youth and experience. 14 uncapped players is a higher number than that of the roster members who competed at RWC 2019. Is the side closer to Los Teros or the Uruguay XV? The answer lies somewhere in between. Notwithstanding, Uruguay’s team is well-rounded and the players have been busy in the Uruguayo de Clubes. The Uruguay XV enter as second seeds behind the Argentina XV.
For further information click here to access the 2020 South American 4 Nations page.
2020 SOUTH AMERICAN 4 NATIONS FIXTURES: URUGUAY
October 17: Uruguay XV vs Brazil XV
October 21: Uruguay XV vs Chile XV
October 25: Uruguay XV vs Argentina XV
