Uruguay’s rugby team achieved historic victories against Fiji and New Zealand in the HSBC Sevens World Series. Captain Diego Ardao recounted the emotional moments of the games, highlighting the team’s resilience and teamwork. Despite challenges, the new coaching staff and youthful players are fostering the country’s rugby development, aiming for long-term success and consistency in performance.
Uruguay’s rugby captain, Diego Ardao, reflected on the team’s remarkable victories over Fiji and New Zealand in the HSBC Sevens World Series (SVNS). Ardao remembered the final moments of the match against New Zealand, where a last-minute penalty secured a historic win, marking Uruguay’s first victory against the All Blacks in any format. Previously, the team had only beaten Fiji twice, marking a significant achievement in their sevens history.
In their opening match against Fiji, Uruguay faced a challenging situation after losing 70-5 in a prior encounter. Despite being down at halftime, the team maintained their composure and determination, eventually reversing their fortunes against Fiji with a memorable comeback win. Following this, the match against New Zealand felt less pressured, allowing the team to capitalize on their strengths.
The All Blacks faced unprecedented pressure from Uruguay’s aggressive tackling and strategic counterattacks, especially illustrated by Ignacio Rodríguez’s winning try after a mistake by New Zealand. Ardao commented on the excitement of the victories, noting the importance of continuous improvement and aiming to maintain their place in the series for another year.
Having first qualified for the HSBC SVNS Series in 2022, Ardao emphasized team unity and the importance of every player’s contribution to their journey. The transition to a new coaching staff has been smooth, as Gabriel ‘Tambor’ Puig knows the players well, focusing on using sevens as a developmental platform for future talents.
Although Uruguay’s performance fluctuated throughout the tournament, with losses following their historic wins, Ardao remains focused on achieving consistency. He noted the challenges of international travel for a team that competes so closely with Argentina. The team enjoyed an extra day in Perth, which they utilized to relax and recover before moving on to future tournaments.
Ardao emphasized that the memories of the final moments against New Zealand would remain with him forever, particularly the significance of that last kick and whistle. These recent achievements lend a sense of pride to Uruguay’s rugby in their ongoing quest for excellence in international sevens rugby.
Uruguay’s rugby team, known as Los Teros, has made significant strides in the HSBC Sevens World Series, culminating in historic victories against rugby powerhouses Fiji and New Zealand. The triumphs not only symbolize their growth in the global rugby landscape but also reflect the players’ dedication and the strategic development fostered by their coaching staff. These wins place Uruguay in a competitive position among top-tier rugby nations, despite challenges arising from fluctuating performances and travel logistics.
Overall, Uruguay’s recent successes in the HSBC Sevens World Series symbolize a new era for their rugby competitiveness. Under the leadership of Diego Ardao, the team has demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in standout victories against Fiji and New Zealand. Their focus on continuous improvement and maintaining their series status reflects a commitment to growth in international rugby.
Original Source: www.rugbypass.com
