For the second time in the space of a week Uruguay emerged victorious from an all South American affair with Chile, this time by a 21-3 margin at Upritchard Park, Bangor to keep alive their hopes of finishing fifth in Division B at the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007.
Uruguay, who had beaten Chile 30-20 in their final pool match last Thursday, have not lost to their opponents at this level now for some two years and they were not about to let that record slip as they stopped their opponents at source more often than not.
Chile actually opened the scoring with a 23rd minute penalty by fly half Francisco González after Uruguayan full back Jeronimo Etcheverry was penalised for holding on in a first half which was finely balanced, both sides intent on testing the other out.
It was Uruguay, though, who went leading 10-3 at half time after a flurry of late points. They were awarded a penalty on halfway, but Chilean scrum half Alonso Oliver refused to hand over the ball and referee Sarah Corrigan penalised his side 10 metres, making it an easier kick for Germán Albanell.
Stray pass
The fly half then proved inspirational in Uruguay’s try, selling a magnificent dummy, taking the gap and then offloading to centre Adrian Lewis who, with the line at his mercy, was well tackled but managed to get the ball away for the supporting Manuel Sagarra to go in under the posts.
Albanell converted, but by this time Uruguay had been reduced to 14 men after loosehead prop Juan Verde was red carded for allegedly stamping.
The second half began as very much a kicking battle, with Albanell adding a second penalty in the 14th minute to stretch Uruguay’s advantage. Chile though seemed intent on running the ball at all costs and this proved their downfall 10 minutes later.
An overthrown pass landed at the feet of hooker Juan Pablo Ruffalini, who picked up and touched down for Uruguay’s second try in the corner. Albanell failed with the conversion attempt, but then slotted a difficult penalty from the touchline to seal victory for his side.