Minnows Uruguay shock Fiji at World Cup

WORLD CUP REPORT: Underdogs Uruguay pulled off the greatest win in their history to beat Fiji 30-27 Wednesday, the first upset at the World Cup in Japan after a pulsating game at the Kamaishi Recovery Stadium.

The South Americans had only ever won two games at the World Cup and are ranked nine places below the more celebrated Pacific islanders, whom they had never beaten.

But they capitalised on an error-strewn performance by Fiji, whose hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages now hang by a thread.

All the emotion! @RugbyUruguay captain @Juangaminara gives emotional interview after his sides historic win over Fiji, their first Rugby World Cup win since 2003 #RWC2019#FIJvURU https://t.co/rYphfFQTHp

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 25, 2019

The thrilling game had a much deeper significance as it was played in Kamaishi, one of the towns hardest-hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated north-eastern Japan.

The stadium, the only purpose-built venue at the World Cup, was built on the site of a school destroyed by the waves and hosting the match was seen as a powerful sign of recovery.

As Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino looked on, the crowd observed a moment’s silence to remember the more than 1 000 people killed in the tsunami, several children in the crowd removing their caps and bowing their heads in prayer.

With emotions running high, Fiji were first on the scoresheet in the seventh minute, Mesulame Dolokoto dotting down to complete a slick line-out move that came after a delightful chip and catch by fullback Alivereti Veitokani.

But Uruguay hit back via a mazy run from scrumhalf Santiago Arata, one of the smallest players on the pitch, who evaded several tackles before touching down under the posts for an easy conversion.

Fiji’s huge forward superiority eventually told as prop Eroni Mawi bundled over from close range. But Uruguay, ranked nine places below Fiji, refused to go away and again took the lead as No.8 Manuel Diana barged over for a converted try.

And the minnows leapt further ahead with 26 minutes on the clock, Juan Manuel Cat finishing off a flowing move down the left. A penalty just before half-time gave battling Uruguay a deserved 24-12 lead at the break.

Fiji had taken a shock lead of their own into the second half of their defeat by Australia, but this time they found themselves needing a dramatic comeback.

Brilliant celebrations! This is what that win meant to @RugbyUruguay players and fans #RWC2019 #FIJvURU https://t.co/AZBLphPMKn

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 25, 2019

After Josh Matavesi missed a relatively simple penalty that would have steadied the nerves, lock Api Ratuniyarawa finished off a move that featured a sensational off-load.

And replacement scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu dived over following an outrageous dummy to closed the gap to 22-27 and set up a nail-biting last 10 minutes.

Fiji threw everything at Uruguay, but a Felipe Berchesi penalty took them out of sight and they clung on for dear life in the final stages, Matawalu’s last-minute try not enough to prevent victory.

Man of the match: We want to give this award to the entire team for their courage and tenacity, especially in the final 20 minutes. However, flyhalf Felipe Berchesi deserves the award for his fantastic performance.

Moment of the match: You can choose any of Uruguay’s three tries in the first half. But nothing beats the emotional celebrations from Uruguayans at the final whistle.

Villain: For Fiji fans, it will probably be Josh Matavesi for some horrendous goal-kicking.

The scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries: Dolokoto, Mawi, Ratuniyarawa, Matawalu 2
Cons: Matavesi

For Uruguay:
Tries: Arata, Diana, Cat
Cons: Berchesi 3
Pens: Berchesi 3

Teams:

Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Filipo Nakosi, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Leone Nakarawa, 7 Mosese Voka, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain), 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Tevita Ratuva, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Mesulame Dolokoto, 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: 16 Tuvere Vugakoto, 17 Campese Ma’afu, 18 Lee-Roy Atalifo, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Samuel Matavesi, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Levani Botia.

Uruguay: 15 Gaston Mieres, 14 Nicolas Freitas, 13 Juan Manuel Cat, 12 Andres Vilaseca, 11 Rodrigo Silva, 10 Felipe Berchesi, 9 Santiago Arata, 8 Manuel Diana, 7 Santiago Civetta, 6 Juan Manuel Gaminara (captain), 5 Manuel Leindekar, 4 Ignacio Dotti, 3 Diego Arbelo, 2 German Kessler, 1 Mateo Sanguinetti.
Replacements: 16 Guillermo Pujadas, 17 Facundo Gattas, 18 Juan Pedro Rombys, 19 Franco Lamanna, 20 Juan Diego Ormaechea, 21 Agustin Ormaechea, 22 Felipe Etcheverry, 23 Tomas Inciarte.

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Marius Jonker: (South Africa)

With 12 carries, 86% kicking success and 8 tackles, @rugbyuruguay‘s Felipe Berchesi took home a well deserved @mastercard Player of the Match award for his winning performance v Fiji #StartSomethingPriceless #POTM #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/8wBsaqPJLo

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 25, 2019