Spain U20 Dominates Uruguay to Secure Spot in 13th-Place Final

The Spain U20 rugby team recorded a dominant 57-6 victory over Uruguay in the semifinals of the 13th-place bracket at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Match Breakdown: A Clinical Offensive Display

Despite an early penalty goal from Uruguay’s Juan Francisco Pereira, which briefly gave the South American side a 3-0 lead, Spain took control of the match by the fifth minute. Unax Salvador scored the opening try, converted by Malakai Hafoka, marking the beginning of a sustained period of Spanish dominance. The momentum shifted decisively when Uruguay’s Bruno Baccino received a yellow card in the 15th minute. Spain capitalized on the numerical advantage with a try from Dani Chico. By halftime, tries from Salvador, Chico, and Iván Farace had established a 19-6 lead for the Spanish squad coached by Ricardo Martinena. The second half showcased an even greater level of offensive efficiency. Oriol Marsinyac scored twice in quick succession, effectively ending Uruguay’s hopes of a comeback. Further tries from Mauro del Campo, Marçal Carreras—who scored twice—and Alfonso Enciso completed the 57-6 rout.

Tournament Context and Next Steps

This result represents Spain’s first victory in the current edition of the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Spain now advances to the final match of the tournament to determine the 13th-place ranking. The match is confirmed for Friday, with kick-off at 18:30 (Spanish peninsular time).

Match Statistics

The following table summarizes the scoring progression and key personnel involved in the victory.

| Event | Time | Player | Score |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Penalty Goal | 2′ | Juan Francisco Pereira (URU) | 0-3 |
| Try / Conversion | 5′ | Unax Salvador / Malakai Hafoka (ESP) | 7-3 |
| Try / Conversion | 19′ | Dani Chico / Malakai Hafoka (ESP) | 14-3 |
| Penalty Goal | 24′ | Juan Francisco Pereira (URU) | 14-6 |
| Try | 28′ | Iván Farace (ESP) | 19-6 |
| Try / Conversion | 44′ | Oriol Marsinyac / Malakai Hafoka (ESP) | 26-6 |
| Try | 56′ | Oriol Marsinyac (ESP) | 31-6 |
| Try / Conversion | 63′ | Mauro del Campo / Malakai Hafoka (ESP) | 38-6 |
| Try | 67′ | Marçal Carreras (ESP) | 43-6 |
| Try / Conversion | 71′ | Alfonso Enciso / Malakai Hafoka (ESP) | 50-6 |
| Try / Conversion | 79′ | Marçal Carreras / Malakai Hafoka (ESP) | 57-6 |

*Source: World Rugby match reporting.*