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Uruguay’s were 26-19 winners in Argentina on Saturday. Playing as the national next-of-XV, the Uruguay XV defeated Rosario 26-19. The final score was not reflective of the overall contest; the Uruguayans had been leading 26-0.
The Uruguay XV fielded a side packed with familiar names. The front-row was Mateo Sanguinetti, Guillermo Pujadas and Ignacio Peculo. The trio all played for Los Teros in mid-year test matches. So too did Eric Dosantos, one half the the second-row against Rosario. Dosantos locked the scrum with Felipe Aliaga, a player who made his welcomed return from injury.
Santiago Civetta captained the team from flanker. He did so alongside Lucas Bianchi with Manuel Ardao playing N8. This was a strong Uruguayan unit.
The backs saw Santiago Álvarez given a start at scrum-half. He and Juan Andrés Zuccarino were the halves. Zuccarino played SLAR for Selknam this year.
The French connection was evident at inside center. Juan Manuel Alonso is back from Brive while Andrés Vilaseca is now playing for Vannes. This marks an important opportunity for Uruguay as they build towards the World Cup.
Veterans Gastón Mieres and Rodrigo Silva are eying a third Rugby World Cup. They were the starting wingers against Rosario on Saturday. José Iruleguy and Felipe Arcos Pérez started fullback and outside center respectively.
The Uruguay XV’s win featured early tries to Ardao and Bianchi. They gave the Uruguay XV a 12-0 lead. The third try was scored by Arcos Pérez. Iruleguy converted to give the visitors a 19-0 lead. Álvarez touched down for the fourth Uruguayan try. Iruleguy converted it for a 26-0 lead. Rosario fought back but the result had already been confirmed.
