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The eagerly awaited Olympic Games qualifiers are underway in South America. With rugby not having been an Olympic sport for 91 years this weekend’s three-day event in Santa Fé offers young male and female athletes much more than a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Rugby’s return to the Olympics, albeit in the reduced format of Rugby Sevens, was a dream for players of years gone by. But for the players representing the eight countries currently competing in Argentina the dream has come true. The best men’s ad women’s teams from the tournament will be rewarded with direct qualification for Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Already qualified in the men’s division are England (to play as Great Britain) Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa and the host nation, Brazil. Women’s qualifiers to date include Australia, Canada, England (Great Britain), New Zealand and hosts Brazil.
Exactly who will join them from South America is far from having been confirmed. Such were the day one results that no team stood out in an authoritative manner above the rest. Indeed, the host nation Argentina had a mixed bag in defeating Venezuela 24-0 and Peru 42-0 but losing 14-10 against Uruguay.
Las Teros were one of two undefeated teams with Uruguay’s win over Argentina being accompanied by victories over Peru and Paraguay. Colombia was the other competitor to performed with distinction. With wins against Costa Rica and Chile Colombia will enter day two looking to draw closer to a place in Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Day One Results
Uruguay 36 – Peru 0
Colombia 36 – Costa Rica 0
Paraguay 10 – Chile 0
Argentina 24 – Venezuela 0
Chile 42 – Peru 0
Paraguay 43 – Costa Rica 0
Argentina 10 – Uruguay 14
Costa Rica 0 – Venezuela 29
Paraguay 5 – Uruguay 10
Chile 12 – Colombia 24
Argentina 42 – Peru 0
