Fiji
27
Match Complete
Uruguay
30
| N. Matawalu |  | 81 | ||
| 75 |  | F. Berchesi | ||
| N. Matawalu | | 66 | ||
| 60 | | F. Berchesi | ||
| A. Ratuniyarawa | | 47 | ||
| 37 | | F. Berchesi | ||
| 27 |  | F. Berchesi | ||
| 25 | | J. M. Cat | ||
| 22 | | F. Berchesi | ||
| 21 | | M. Diana | ||
| J. Matavesi | | 19 | ||
| E. Mawi | | 18 | ||
| 14 | | F. Berchesi | ||
| 13 | | S. Arata | ||
| M. Dolokoto | | 7 |
| 5 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Fiji get a chance to get their Rugby World Cup back on track as they take on minnows of Group D, Uruguay. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of what the match, from 3:15pm (AEST).
While many will focus purely on the top-tier clashes at this World Cup, the matches between the other nations shouldn’t be ignored. Games like these are the absolute pinnacle of many players’ careers if they come from tier 2 or tier 3 countries and the passion and intensity they bring is fantastic to watch.
The Uruguay team are well aware of where they sit in the pecking order but that doesn’t mean that they won’t be looking at this match – against arguably Fiji’s B side – and thinking it could be a real opportunity.
The squad has the youngest average age of 2019 World Cup at just over 26 years but they are not wanting for experience at the big show. Eight of the squad played in the previous World Cup – including skipper Juan Manuel Gaminara – and will be looking to make a name for themselves.
Andres Vilaseca will be one to watch for the South Americans. The exciting centre had an impressive 2019 Nations Cup with multiple tries, assists and a tournament-high nine clean breaks.
Fiji have decided to rest all but three of the team who played against the Wallabies. With such a tight turnaround and then a week until their third game, it makes good sense to give the full squad some game time.
Fans will be glad to see Semi Radradra among the returning trio. He’s moved from wing to centre, which hopefully means more time with the ball in his hands.
Prediction
As you might have gleaned from the betting odds, no one is really expecting any other result than a Fiji win – and a big one at that.
Fiji by 40.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 3:15pm (AEST).
Where: Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi City
When: 3:15pm (AEST)
TV: Fox Sports
Online: Kayo, Foxtel Now, Foxtel App
Odds: Fiji $1.01, Uruguay $17
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 (c), 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. Mateo Sanguinetti, 7. German Kessler, 6. Diego Arbelo, 5. Ignacio Dotti, 4. Manuel Leindekar, 3. Juan Manuel Gaminara (c), 2. Santiago Civetta, 1. Manuel Diana.
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
Braddles
Guest
I remember Quade laying on 5 or 6 tries at the 2015 world Cup v Uruguay.It's a pity we dont have him this year.
Peter
Guest
The Uruguayans, outweighed by 10-15 kilos a man, showed huge courage determination and tackling technique. I do hope the Wallabies watch a replay and learn something!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Is Matavesi the forward who missed the halfback? The tackle attempt looked less than a full effort.
johnb
Guest
Good report and good call Oliver - must be nice to have what might have looked like a less than first choice game to be calling turn into such a great one!
Adzy
Roar Rookie
12 changes to Fiji team for this match, maybe a little to casual thinking its a done deal
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Now, are Canada up to knocking over Italy?
Luke Ringland
Guest
The Fijians were massively up for and prepared the Wallabies game and then had a five day turn around. Ururguay took all their chances, Fiji bombed a million. It certainly doesn't all of the sudden mean the Wallabies victory is an indicator of nothing. But we'll find out more on Sunday... And, we should be grateful, as I'm sure the Wallabies will put that little bit more effort into preparing for our own match against Uruguay now....
Digby
Roar Guru
Great haircut :thumbup:
Oliver Matthews
Expert
FULL MATCH REPORT Uruguay have beaten Fiji in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history 30 to 27. It was an incredible match and the South Americans might not even believe what they’ve been able to achieve. In the opening minutes it looked like the game would follow the script we’d all predicted. Fiji scored in the 8th minute with a lovely line out move and looked comfortable in both the loose and set piece. But then the Uruguayans struck back straight away with a lovely try of their own. The Fijians scored again five minutes later after their forwards battered the try line and it felt as if normal service was being resumed and that they’d kick on from here. But the South Americans had other ideas and three minutes later they got their second try as they too used their forwards to batter the Fijian defence on the try line. While the Fijians started looking confused and disorganised the Uruguayans started to play with real rhythm and confidence. The third try was the perfect example - a clearing kick from Uruguay was allowed to bounce as two Fijians thought the other had the catch covered and the men in blue pounced. They spun the ball out to the other wing where they then rode big hits and stayed on their feet to make great ground down their left wing. The off load to Juan Manuel Cat was gorgeous and the centre then had a clear run into score. Fiji seemed to be thinking that they could just run hard into the Uruguayans and they’d crumble but that didn’t happen in the first half and the teams headed to the sheds with the Fijians losing by 12 points and looking lost. In the second half it seemed obvious that the Fijians would sort themselves out and claw their way back into the game. The first score was going to be crucial as usual and when Api Ratuniyarawa went over in the 48th minute it looked like it might be the end for Uruguay. But the conversion was missed and the dream stayed alive for the South Americans. Fiji began to bring on key first team players with fans and team mates alike looking to Nikola Matawalu and Ben Volavola to help them out of this trouble. While there was an improvement in the second half and Matawalu himself got two tries, the Fijians continued to be wasteful with the ball and just couldn’t find enough ways to unlock the Uruguayan defence. The Uruguayans only scored 6 points in the second half but that’s all they needed. Even though Fiji scored three tries in the second 40 minutes they left so many points out on the field with missed conversions and missed penalties. In the end as the clock ticked by the Fijians started to realise that they were dead and buried and nothing they could do was going to change this. As the final whistle sounded the Uruguayans celebrated like they had won the whole competition and they deserve every moment of happiness this brings them. Fiji really didn’t turn up and will feel devastated at this performance. Neither of these teams will qualify and very soon we won’t be talking about them at all in any match preview or report. But this game will be one of the games of the entire tournament and never forgotten.
Bfc
Guest
Great, passionate speech by the Uruguay captain....and a respectful nod to the host city. Bloody brilliant...
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I think we can manage that.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Too short turnaround time.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Only caught the last 10 minutes and Fiji looked physically and mentally spent. Well done Uruguay, though!
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
If we can get past Uruguay ;-)
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
He is ready to win an Academy Award.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
That what beautiful. Uruguay just played a perfect game with the cards they had. So inspiring to see guys being 20-30 kilos lighter keep going with brave and efficient tackles. Feel sorry for Fiji, they were the ones who were supposed to do the upsets, not be the victim, but they can only blame themselves and tip their hair hats to Los Teros.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Bloody brilliant!!! A really good win.
Jamez
Roar Rookie
Is it possible Matavesi put a bet on Uruguay to win? would love to know what they were paying. WD Uruguay, great at Soccer and Rugby. :).
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Love this interview with Uraguay captain!
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
Uruguay Nomas!!! Congratulations South American brothers!!! 4 am here but supporting Los Teros, what a way to tackle!! Incredible effort