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Chile are once again part of the World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament, returning after a three-year absence to take part in Montevideo. While the Cóndores will be very keen to make an impression so close to home, they are also investing heavily in the future with 11 of the 26-man squad eligible to for u20 rugby next year. Coaching the team is senior men’s head honcho Bernard Charreyre, the Frenchman keen to ensure the same messages and skills required of the test team are being delivered to his top prospects.
Brave flanker Alfonso Escobar will lead the team on the field with another strong player in Clement Saavedra named in a useful back row unit. The traditional scrummaging strength of Chilean rugby will be evident in a short front row trio that should provide a stern examination of Japan’s technical acumen.
Getting the ball through the hands of a speedy backline will be the challenge of footballing halfbacks Domingo Saavedra and Martín De Oto. Japan, however, can be expected to be just as quick if not quicker, and Chile must avoid tactical errors such as misplaced kicks into the open field if they hope to score an upset against one of the tournament favorites.
Kickoff is set for 2pm local time, 1pm Eastern. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.
CHILE
1 Piero Zunino, 2 Benjamín Jeria, 3 Marcelo Huerta, 4 Nicolás Garafulic, 5 Thomas Orchard, 6 Alfonso Escobar (capt.), 7 Vicente Huete, 8 Clemente Saavedra, 9 Domingo Saavedra, 10 Martín De Oto, 11 Rodrigo Gajardo, 12 Santiago Videla, 13 Santiago Gana, 14 Diego Salas, 15 Rodrigo Manzano
Replacements: 16 Javier Carrasco, 17 Augusto Böhme, 18 Carlos Oyarzún, 19 Vicente Contreras, 20 José Escobedo, 21 Lucca Avelli, 22 Tomás Salas
