UNDERDOGS Uruguay created one of the greatest upsets at the 2019 Rugby World Cup defeating the Flying Fijians 30-27.
Fiji looked the stronger team in the early exchanges but the sides exchanged two tries apiece until Juan Manuel Cat and Rodrigo combined to score the try of the match on 25 minutes.
Felipe Berchesi added nine points with the boot for a 24-12 interval lead.
Berchesi’s player of the match performance was in stark contrast to Fiji’s kickers – he claimed 15 points and missed only one kick all afternoon, while his opposite numbers Josh Matavesi and Ben Volavola left 11 points going begging.
Fiji improved in the second half but resolute Uruguayan defence – and some unforced errors – meant the Flying Fijians were never allowed to take off.
Nikola Matawalu’s injury-time try meant Fiji outscored the South Americans by five to three, but that statistic will mean little to the celebrating Uruguayans who are toasting their first RWC win in 16 years and the biggest victory in their nation’s rugby history.
