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Rugby World Cup regulars torn apart by Uruguay in Montevideo
Uruguay delivered a world-class performance, trouncing Romania 70–8 at Montevideo’s Estadio Charrúa in what was largely a one-sided contest.
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Rodolfo Ambrósio’s Teros effectively started the game in front when Santiago Civetta forced his way over after a maul. With fly-half Felipe Etcheverry adding the extras, the hosts kept the pressure on and bagged their second try soon after—again through Civetta, who capitalised on a fumbled Romanian ball.
Trailing by 14 points, Romania went in search of a foothold. Despite a shaky day at the set-piece, the Stejarii found their first try after Ignacio Álvarez knocked on, allowing Stefan Cojocariu to break loose and set up Alexandru Bucur – back in the side for his first Test since 2022. Antonio Mitrea slotted a penalty a few minutes later to narrow the gap to 11 points.
But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as fullback Juan González stepped up, slicing through the defence to score his first Test try. From there, the South Americans surged ahead, crossing for three more tries before referee Craig Evans called time on the first half.
The break did little to halt Uruguay’s momentum, with the Teros hungry for more. Centre Felipe Arcos Pérez was first to strike after the restart, dotting down following a superb break from lock Felipe Aliaga.
Scrum-half Santiago Álvarez followed, finishing a flowing team move before converting his own try.
Bautista Basso, Manuel Ardao and Reinaldo Piussi added Uruguay’s final three scores, stretching the margin to a record 70–8 win over Romania.
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The Teros now head to Argentina to take on the Pumas next week, while Romania will also travel to Pampas territory to face the Argentina XV and round off their South American tour.
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