This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
On September 25, 2019, Uruguay pulled off the greatest upset in their history, stunning Fiji 30-27 in a thrilling match at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Japan.
The victory marked the biggest rugby win in Uruguay's history, with the team having only ever won two games at the World Cup and being ranked nine places below Fiji.
Uruguay's captain, Juan Gaminara, broke down in tears at the end of the game, saying, "We are not the biggest, we are not the tallest but we came here to win."
The team's magnificent performance was a testament to their passion and determination, with Gaminara adding, "Since we qualified, we have been thinking about this game and you saw the passion. I'm really proud."
Fiji's coach, John McKee, admitted that his team's dismal goalkicking had cost them dear, saying, "For us, obviously with the short turnaround, though it isn't an excuse, it is a challenge."
Despite giving away nearly 10 kilos a man in the pack, Uruguay competed up front and harried the Fijians out wide, rushing them into a litany of handling errors.
The final score flattered Fiji, as they scored a last-minute try that was too little too late to prevent wild Uruguay celebrations.
