Advertisement
Rodrigo M. (27')
Tries
Suarez F. (54'), Ardao M. (62'), Basso B. (77')
Conversions
Alvarez S. (55')
Marques S. (41')
Penalties
Alvarez S. (21', 48', 70')
This result reinforces Uruguay’s upward momentum, while for Portugal it raises questions about consistency and progression ahead of the next global cycle. But if Portugal had made the chances stick in the first half, this could have been a different story! Los Lobos find themselves in a rut and trying to force opportunities that came so easily a year or so ago.
Portugal in rebuild mode and looking to bounce back after that Ireland result hosted Uruguay who were themselves looking to make a statement in Europe.
The atmosphere was expectant: Portugal as hosts wanted to assert themselves; Uruguay wanted to use this tour as a platform.
With the scoreboard reflecting a clear win for the visitors, the match delivered lessons for both sides.
From kick-off, the contest offered two teams intent on making their mark. Uruguay struck first through a penalty goal by Santiago Álvarez around the 22nd minute.
Portugal responded through a try by Rodrigo Marta at the 27th minute, putting them ahead.
During this phase:
Portugal showed glimpses of assertiveness: securing field position, managing phases, and responding when challenged.
Uruguay were efficient: turning over the ball at the Portuguese line out and forcing handling errors to stem the attacking flow of Portugal.
The set-piece and collision domains were moderately even, but the balance tilted subtly in the direction of Uruguay thanks to their discipline and territorial control.
The second half saw Uruguay grow stronger, both in momentum and execution. Coming out of the break, Álvarez added a penalty to extend the lead.
A crucial scoring play came when Francisco Suárez crossed for a try (circa 54') to put daylight between the sides. Suárez is currently having his Front Row Union membership reviewed, he will either be banished or made some sort of demi god for showing such pace over that distance!
Santiago Lopes was sent from the field for 10 minutes for a high tackle, in the 56th minute. Uruguay then began to turn the screw! This was then upgraded to a 20 minute red card! Leaving Portugal down to 14 for pretty much the rest of the second half.
Uruguay doubled down with another try from Manuel Ardao around the 62nd minute, then further picked off a late try through Bautista Basso at 76'.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s efforts became more fragmented: errors crept in, their defensive line was stretched, and they struggled to respond to Uruguay’s increasing physicality and game-management.
Uruguay
Good territorial control and scoreboard pressure: the reliable kicking from Álvarez kept Portugal on their toes.
Strong finish: two tries in the second half highlight their ability to convert dominance into points.
Tour momentum: this win is a strong platform as Uruguay look to climb the rankings.
Portugal
Promising first half but a drop in intensity and execution in the second half proved costly.
Discipline and consistency issues: beating themselves as much as being beaten by Uruguay’s strengths.
Set-piece and physical battle: Portugal were given room but didn’t always seize it or resist Uruguay’s increased focus.
For Uruguay, this result is more than just one win — it’s a statement of intent. They are solidifying their credentials among the Tier 2 nations and building momentum ahead of larger tests.
For Portugal, the result is a wake-up call: the pieces for growth are there, but converting them into sustained performance remains the challenge. Their development path and World Cup preparation must now focus on closing out games, managing momentum shifts, and sharpening execution under pressure.
Santiago Álvarez (Uruguay) – His kicking, poise under pressure and contribution to Uruguay’s territorial platform made a decisive impact.
A match that began tightly contested but tipped in favour of Uruguay as the game progressed. For fans of Tier 2 and grassroots rugby, this is exactly the kind of test that matters — the gap is real, but the contest is meaningful. Portugal will reflect and regroup; Uruguay will look ahead and build on this.
