The Sudamerica Rugby Championship 2024 is underway, and Brazil started the campaign with a massive 77-17 win against Paraguay, driving them closer to the semifinals of the South America Rugby World Cup Qualifying round to be played in 2025. The South American rivals met at the Estádio Nicolau Alayon in São Paulo with one thousand fans in attendance. On a boiling hot sunny afternoon, the home side were the only ones in it in what proved to be a one-sided contest.
The Tupís took an early lead, with wing Ariel Rodrigues dotting the ball down in the corner. The Brazilians piled on and scored another five tries before half-time, with the visitors only being able to score ten points before heading off to the break. The Brazilians were far superior in every aspect, plunging the Paraguayans into a physical contest they couldn’t counter, with the scrum being the main weapon of choice of the home team.
In the second 40 minutes, Paraguay tried to mount some resistance, scoring a well-worked try finished by Sebastian Urbieta. Unfortunately, it was followed by a scoring spree for Brazil, who added five more tries to their tally, wrapping the game with a record 60-point margin win. Biarritz Olympique centre Carlos Mignot scored his first international hat-trick, and fullback Lucas Tranquez had a perfect day off the tee, converting six from six.
Brazil’s head coach Emiliano Caffera was elated with how Brazil played in front of their home crowd, “It was a great spectacle, and we executed our game plan to perfection. The result helps us for our next game against Chile. We couldn’t be prouder of what we did, and the only negative was the two conceded tries.”
The 77-17 scoreline broke records. Previously the highest points scored was 69. Brazil won 66-10 against Paraguay, also in São Paulo, in 2019. The win by a margin of 60 points also establishes a new record for points scored by Brazil against Paraguay.
Brazil’s biggest win was against Costa Rica in 2006. The 95-0 win came thirteen years after Brazil’s biggest ever defeat; a 114-03 loss against Argentina. Paraguay’s biggest ever loss was also against Argentina. It was a 152-0 loss in 2002. On the flip side, Paraguay’s biggest win was 109-0 against Bolivia in 2019.
The manner in which Brazil knocked-over Paraguay suggests that Chile may be able to surpass their biggest ever win; it was by 102–0 against Paraguay in 2002. Chile play host to Paraguay on September 28 and Brazil on October 05.
Brazil’s forwards were too powerful and the backs too deadly. Brazil’s scrum was a force while Brazil bossed Paraguay in the collisions and were also much more disciplined defensively. It meant baking the gain-line was common and there was no shortage of Brazilian tries.
Brazil outscored Paraguay by 42-10 in the opening half. N8 Andre Arruda and center Carlo Mignot both scored two tries with winger Ariel Rodrigues and prop Mateus Rocha also scoring. All tries were converted; Joaõ Amaral landed two and Lucas Tranquez slotted four.
Paraguay scored twice in the first half. Sebastián Urbita kicked a penalty in response to Rodrigues’ try for a 7-3 scoreline. He also converted his team’s try of the half. It was scored by second-rower and captain Mariano Garcete.
Los Yakares started the second-half very well. Urbieta wen over for a try and landed the conversion. It made it 42-17; however, Paraguay was unable to score further points. Winger Robert Tenório, and center Lorenzo Massari Temer both scored tries while replacement Henrique Ferreira scored two and Carlo Mignot completed his hat-trick.
The Road to the Rugby World Cup 2027
This victory propels Brazil forward in their bid to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027. The top two teams from this stage will proceed to the semifinals (to be played in the Summer of 2025), with Uruguay already qualified.
If the Chileans can avoid any shock defeats, they will join Brazil in the semis. With the Yakares poised to finish last, they will be forced to play against the 2024 winner of the Sudamerica regional qualifiers to earn a last chance to get back into the Men’s RWC trail.
A Look Ahead
Paraguay travel to Chile on the 28th of September for the 2nd round, with the competition concluding on the 5th of October when the Condores hosts Brazil. The upcoming matches will be crucial for both sides as they fight to secure their place in the semifinals. This is a tournament that could significantly impact the future of rugby in South America, and fans around the world will be watching closely as these teams battle it out for a chance to represent the region on the world stage.
