The United States wrote a memorable chapter in their age-grade rugby history by securing their first-ever victory at the World Rugby Junior World Championship, at the fifteenth attempt. At the AIA Arena in Kutaisi, Georgia, the U20 Eagles overcame Uruguay with a commanding 39-15 win in the 15th place play-off, closing the tournament with a long-awaited success.
The start had been anything but promising for Johannes Gericke's side. After an early feeling-out period, it was the South Americans who struck first, exploiting the power of their scrum. Hooker Sebastián Perez delivered an extraordinary performance in the opening 33 minutes, completing a hat-trick of close-range tries — all from rolling mauls — to put Los Teritos 15-0 ahead. Uruguay, having failed to score any tries in their three previous tournament matches, appeared poised for a historic win of their own.
The American response, however, was immediate and devastating. On the stroke of half-time, hooker Aidan Stewart crashed over the line, sparking a comeback that would produce 39 unanswered points. An offensive avalanche that completely overwhelmed Uruguay's resistance.