Peñarol Rugby secured the top spot in Super Rugby Americas after a hard-fought 22-18 win over Selknam in Montevideo. The Uruguayan side needed a late try in the 74th minute to seal the victory in a tense battle.
The weekend also saw historic moments in the tournament, including a dramatic first-ever match between Tarucas and Pampas, which ended in a narrow 15-14 victory for the visiting Pampas. Meanwhile, defending champions Dogos XV delivered a commanding performance, overpowering Cobras Brasil Rugby 80-27, marking the second-largest margin in tournament history.
Tarucas vs. Pampas: A New Rivalry Begins
Tucumán, once a powerhouse of Argentine rugby, welcomed its newest franchise, Tarucas, as they took on Pampas in front of a packed crowd at Tucumán Lawn Tennis.
Tarucas struck first with a close-range try from lock Federico Lavanini. Their second try broke their usual maul-driven approach, as winger Tomás Vanni weaved through the defense to score. With both teams converting their tries, the halftime score stood at 7-7.
Pampas’ Santiago Pernas gave his team the lead with a stunning finish in the corner. Tarucas responded with another try from Vanni, who once again found himself in the thick of the action. A successful conversion put Tarucas ahead 14-12.
However, the home side couldn’t hold on. With just six minutes left, Pampas’ kicker Estanislao Renthel slotted a penalty to clinch a 15-14 win, silencing the passionate Tucumán crowd.
Peñarol vs. Selknam: A Clash with World Cup Implications
The highly anticipated showdown between Peñarol and Selknam was more than just a league match—it was a preview of a potential Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifying battle between Uruguay and Chile.
Peñarol dominated early, jumping to a 17-3 lead with tries from hooker Guillermo Pujadas and center Felipe Arcos Pérez. Just before halftime, Selknam’s scrumhalf Marcelo Torrealba turned the tide with a stunning 70-meter solo try, cutting the deficit to 17-8.
With 20 minutes remaining and the score at 17-11, tensions flared as three players were sent to the sin bin following a heated exchange. Selknam took advantage, with Torrealba scoring again and Nicolás Garafulic giving them an 18-17 lead with 12 minutes left.
But Peñarol’s 18-year-old debutant Justo Ferrario had the final say. With six minutes remaining, he sprinted 45 meters past two desperate defenders to score the match-winning try, securing a dramatic 22-18 victory.
Dogos XV Crush Cobras in Record-Breaking Win
Dogos XV bounced back in emphatic fashion, securing their first win of the season with a dominant 80-27 victory over Cobras Brasil Rugby.
The defending champions ran riot, scoring 12 of the 16 tries in the match. Their backs were unstoppable, contributing eight of those tries, with Franco Rossetto, Agustín Segura, Valentín Cabral, and Mateo Soler all crossing the line twice.
Fly-half Juan Bautista Baronio led the charge with 21 points, including a try and eight successful conversions. Despite the lopsided contest, Cobras managed to salvage a four-try bonus point in the final seconds.
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