Argentina XV Dominates Uruguay, Secures ARC Bonus Point

The Argentina XV delivered a dominant performance in the second round of the 2026 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC), overpowering a suspension-hit Uruguay XV with a resounding 58-10 victory. This significant win, highlighted by a ten-tries-to-two advantage, secures a vital bonus point for the Argentinians and improves their standing in the competition.

Hooker Sebastián Pérez and No. 8 Manuel Diana scored the lone tries for the Uruguay XV.

Argentina XV's Offensive Showcase

The Argentina XV established an early and insurmountable lead, accumulating all 29 first-half points. This offensive explosion ensured a bonus point before the halftime whistle, demonstrating a marked improvement over their initial ARC fixture against Paraguay where they started slowly despite ultimately winning 58-11 improved on their opening round performance. The team's scoring spree continued into the second half, at one point reaching a 57-0 lead.

Flanker Felipe Villagrán initiated the scoring, benefiting from a fortunate bounce off a cross-kick to touch down in the left corner. Fellow flanker Luciano Avaca then seized control, scoring his first of three tries approximately ten minutes into the match. Avaca's initial score was a gift from center Bautista Estellés, who put him over untouched in a similar position to Villagrán’s try. Just six minutes later, Avaca secured his second try, again in the left corner, this time assisted by flanker Tomás Dande.

The bonus point try arrived early in the second quarter via fullback Franco Rossetto, who entered the backline after the forwards had established a strong position deep inside the Uruguay XV’s 22. Bautista Estellés capped the first-half scoring, going over under the posts five minutes later.

Second Half Continuation and Hat-Trick Heroics

Scoring resumed thirteen minutes into the second half with Tomás Dande crossing the whitewash on the left side, following some enterprising play from the Argentina XV. Captain Rodrigo Fernández Criado then sliced through the Uruguayan defense to score under the posts, further extending his team's lead.

The most impressive try of the match unfolded after the Uruguay XV overthrew an attacking lineout deep within Argentina XV territory. A swift counter-attack ensued, with Dande making significant ground before linking up with Avaca, who unleashed his speed to complete a hat-trick. Franco Rossetto then claimed his second try of the afternoon, showcasing both speed and strength down the right flank.

Uruguay's Late Efforts and Tournament Implications

In the final fifteen minutes of the contest, the Uruguay XV managed to score two tries, providing a late response to the Argentinian dominance. Replacement hooker Sebastián Pérez grounded the ball from a lineout-to-maul move, while No. 8 Manuel Diana displayed considerable strength to score. The Argentina XV secured the final points of the match, with replacement prop Diego Correa breaking free and offloading to replacement scrum-half Alejo Sugasti for the score.

Looking ahead in the 2026 ARC, the Argentina XV will face the Chile XV in their final round fixture. Meanwhile, the Uruguay XV is set to play Paraguay. The Uruguayans must defeat Paraguay to avoid finishing last in the tournament, a critical encounter for their standing in the competition. Fans can find all the latest rugby scores and results and more details about the Argentina XV's campaign on USA Rugby News.