Uruguay Takes First Step Toward RWC 2027 Qualification with Win Over Chile
September 1, 2025
In front of a packed Estadio Municipal de La Pintana in Santiago, Uruguay secured a 28-16 win over Chile in the first leg of the Sudaméricano 2025 final, moving closer to direct qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Veteran players led the way for Uruguay. Santiago Arata and Felipe Etcheverry orchestrated the attack from half-back, while Andrés Vilaseca, a midfield stalwart with three World Cup appearances, displayed leadership and composure. Despite the victory, Uruguay received three yellow cards, highlighting some discipline concerns.
Chile struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities and now face a tough task in the second leg in Montevideo at Estadio Charrúa, needing to overcome a 12-point deficit to secure direct qualification. The aggregate loser will play the lowest-ranked team from the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 in a South America/Pacific play-off next month.
Match Highlights
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Uruguay opened the scoring through Carlos Deus, with Etcheverry converting for a 7-0 lead.
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Hooker Germán Kessler scored Uruguay’s second try, extending the lead to 14-3.
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Chile narrowed the gap to 14-13 by half-time through a try by Matías Garafulic and successful kicks by Santiago Videla.
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In the second half, Arata scored from a maul, and left winger Ignacio Álvarez added a try, with Etcheverry’s conversions bringing the final score to 28-16.
Despite Uruguay briefly playing with 13 players due to yellow cards, Chile could not exploit the advantage.
Looking Ahead
The 12-point lead gives Uruguay a strong advantage but leaves Chile in contention. The second leg promises high drama, as Chile seeks to overturn the deficit in Montevideo.
Uruguay captain Manuel Ardao noted: “It’s a win, but it doesn’t mean anything yet. The total score over two matches decides. The second leg is like starting from zero.”
Chile captain Clemente Saavedra added: “We created chances, but we need better efficiency. We welcome the challenge in Montevideo.”
Uruguay’s positive momentum and Chile’s determination set the stage for an exciting finale to the Sudaméricano 2025 series.
