Uruguay celebrate after defeating New Zealand during the Rugby SVNS Series at HBF Park in Perth, Friday, January 24, 2025. ((AAP Image/Richard Wainwright/Photosport) Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Minnows Uruguay stunned rugby sevens powerhouses Fiji and New Zealand on a remarkable opening day of the world sevens series' Perth leg on Friday.
The South Americans launched an epic comeback to beat Olympic silver medalists Fiji 24-17 and followed that with an audacious 17-12 win over the All Black Sevens.
Fiji, who had beaten Uruguay 70-7 in Cape Town in December, took a 17-0 lead before the Uruguayans pulled off a jaw dropping comeback with Pedro Hoblog's late try sealing an historic win.
They then shocked the 14-time champions New Zealand to earn their first-ever sevens win over the All Blacks Sevens.
Uruguay outlasted New Zealand in a tense battle in the second half, dominating possession and capitalising on Kiwi errors with Juan Manuel Tafernaberry slotting a penalty attempt from close range in the 15th minute to complete the win.
"Amazing! It's unbelievable what we have achieved here," Uruguay men's captain Diego Ardao said.
"It's more than just two games, it's about who we faced and proving we can beat them. For us it is huge and helps us to build our confidence for what awaits next. We give everything for the team and for each other on the pitch."
Ignacio Rodriguez of Uruguay runs the ball against New Zeland during the Rugby SVNS Series at HBF Park in Perth, Friday, January 24, 2025. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright/Photosport) Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Uruguay can complete a memorable Pool C sweep against Kenya on Saturday, while New Zealand face Fiji.
The Black Ferns Sevens and Japan lead pool A in the women's draw following opening day wins over Ireland and Brazil.
The USA and Canada top pool B after beating Fiji and Great Britain on day one, while France join Australia in qualifying for Saturday's quarter-finals from pool C.
The Black Ferns Sevens lead the overall women's standings, closely following by reigning world sevens champions Australia.
Fiji lead the series men's standings following gold in Dubai and bronze in Cape Town, ahead of Spain, who had victories over Great Britain and Ireland to lead pool B alongside France, while South Africa lead pool A.
The Australian men's team slipped to narrow defeats against Argentina and South Africa, but could still reach the quarter-finals if they beat the USA in their final pool match on Saturday.
The quarter-finals start later tonight, with the finals on Sunday.
