One Year Ago Today: Uruguay stun Fiji in Kamaishi
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One Year Ago Today, Uruguay claimed just their third Rugby World Cup win with a shock victory over Fiji.
Uruguay caused a huge upset by stunning Fiji 30-27 at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The South Americans claimed just their third win in tournament history by shocking Fiji in the Pool D clash in Kamaishi.
Uruguay crossed for three first-half tries as they punished an error-riddled display by Fiji, while they got 15 points from the boot of Felipe Berchesi.
Fiji had won their previous three Tests against Uruguay by an average of 36 points but fell to an unlikely defeat on this occasion.
A much-changed Fiji needed just seven minutes to take the lead, Mesu Dolokoto touching down in the corner after a line-out, brilliant play from Alivereti Veitokani having put his side in a good position.
However, Uruguay hit back through Santiago Arata, who easily stepped through some soft Fijian defending to score under the posts after a German Kessler pass.
Class act ππ
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 25, 2019
Santiago Arata takes time to console some Fijian players π€ #RWC2019 #FIJvURU pic.twitter.com/HEGpX3Kwpz
Eroni Mawi crashed over to restore Fiji's lead, only for Manuel Diana to respond once more for Uruguay, who led 14-12 after 22 minutes.
Fiji were being punished for their mistakes and another allowed the South Americans to stunningly stretch their lead.
A high kick from Arata was allowed to bounce, Uruguay spreading the ball to the left before Rodrigo Silva threw a pass inside for Juan Manuel Cat to score.
A year ago today, Uruguay beat Fiji 27-30 at the RWC in Japan π
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 25, 2020
Who could forget Juan Manuel Gaminara post-match interview π’ pic.twitter.com/yxJS330uUg
Fiji made to pay for mistakes
Fiji were far too loose in the first half and Uruguay made them pay on every occasion, opening up a 24-12 lead at the break. They played with less risk to begin the second half, only for the errors to resume as they got desperate.
Famous win for Uruguay
Ranked 19th in the world, this was Uruguay's first win at the Rugby World Cup since 2003. In 2015, they scored just 30 points and conceded 226, showing just how much progress they have made in four years.
