Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The second annual Americas Rugby Championship got underway on Friday. Brazil had home advantage against Chile and were eager to make use of it. In the corresponding fixture one year ago it was Chile who were victorious. Los Cóndores’ 25-22 win would be Chile’s best performance of the tournament.
A year on and priorities remained but structures had changed. Brazil had opted to not use top talent in the recent Punta del Este and Vína del Mar 7’s tournaments. Brazil had also stepped up efforts to invest into leading players. Chile’s athletes remained strictly amateur.
The 2017 status of the Brazilian team meant that the players felt, for the first time, pressure to win at home. Os Tupis were able to weather the storm of expectation and also the heavy rain which fell throughout the second half. Chile’s second half performance will need urgent addressing.
Both teams are to play again next weekend, doing so in North America. Having beaten Uruguay the USA will be looking to make it 2 from 2 against Brazil. Canada will be looking to bounce back from the Argentina XV loss against Chile. The Argentina XV host Uruguay in the remaining round 2 fixture. All matches will be played on February 11.
A full match report can be seen by clicking here.
