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Uruguay ran wild against Zimbabwe on Thursday. The South Americans defeated the Africans 51-14 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. The match was a round two fixture of the 2023 Junior World Trophy. It takes Uruguay up to a 2-0 record; Los Teritos defeated the USA in their opening match of the tournament.
Uruguay’s win over Zimbabwe means that Los Teritos and Scotland are the two unbeaten teams in Pool A. Their match on Tuesday is now, in effect, a Semi Final. Scotland defeated Zimbabwe first up while impressed against the USA in their next match.
Uruguay’s 51-14 win over Zimbabwe was very impressive. It gives Los Teritos confidence to aim to make further history. Uruguay were the winners of the inaugural Junior World Trophy in 2008. The South Americans were fourth in the most recent edition of the tournament four years ago.
Zimbabwe had reason to think they had a good chance again Uruguay. The Junior Sables had performed very well in the second-half of their match against Scotland. Moreover, Zimbabwe started well against Uruguay; Shingi Manyarara scored the opening try of the contest.
The Africans defended their lines well early. They prevented Uruguay from scoring in response minutes later. The opening quarter ended with Zimbabwe the happier side. Winger Edward Sigauke made it a second African try in the 23rd minute.
Uruguayan second-rower Jerónimo Noseda responded. His try and a penalty to Juan Bautista Crisci made it a four-point deficit. Further impressive South American play saw winger Dante Soto following the defenders to give Los Teritos the lead.
Uruguay went into half-time with a 17-14 lead. The South Americans then dominated proceedings to earn a penalty try from a rolling-maul. It was followed by a penalty and a try to center Guillermo Juan Storace.
Los Teritos had secured the win but were not done yet. Their dominant scrum came away with a second penalty try. The sixth Uruguay try saw Alfonso Chahnazaroff intercepting to take the team past 50 points.
