The Uruguay U19s won a thrilling, back-and-forth match 17-15 over the touring USA High School All Americans Saturday in Montevideo.

Fullback Santiago Martinez slotted a penalty for Los Teritos with time winding down to put his side ahead for good.

The HSAA team led 7-0 after scoring in the 23rd minute through inside center Fitou Fisiiahi. Uruguay tied it up, when lock Ignacio Curone bulled over, but soon thereafter the Americans scored off a scrum to lead 12-7. Sub forward Kelepi Fifita did the honors.

Just before halftime Uruguay wing Sebastian Schroeder scored to put Los Teritos ahead 14-12.

Calvin Whiting slotted a second-half penalty to give the Americans a one-point lead, but Uruguay's defense was too tough.



Going into the game, HSAA Head Coach Salty Thompson was asked whether the confident play of his team might lead to over-confidence. He said he didn't think so, but added "there is always a problem with overconfidence going into a game after having won two.  It is the coaches' job to keep them realistic.  One good thing is they have never played these teams before and so it is difficult to gauge their expectations."

Thompson added that set piece was expected to be the biggest challenge against Uruguay, and with the USA fielding am completely different forward pack from the one that played in the last game against Chile, the game was expected to be a challenge.

Winning, however, is a by-product of other things for this team.

"It is all about development," said Thompson. "That is what we are trying to do - develop players."

Thompson has also selected a different captain for every game.

The team returns to another day of intense practices before a rematch with their hosts in Montevideo. 

HSAA 15
Tries: Fisiiahi, Fifita
Convs: Whiting
Pens: Whiting

Uruguay U19s
Tries: Curone, Schroeder
Convs: Martinez 2
Pens: Martinez