Anna 
One-third of the Súper Rugby Américas season is complete, and Peñarol Rugby sits atop the standings with 19 points after five rounds. The Uruguayan franchise, champions in 2022 and 2023, asserted their dominance once again with a 35-3 dismantling of Cobras Brasil Rugby in São Paulo.
With 16 points, Chilean side Selknam holds second place following a convincing victory over Tarucas, while Pampas secured third place with a 19-7 win against Yacare XV, bringing their total to 14 points.
Peñarol’s Statement Win in São Paulo
Cobras Brasil Rugby managed to stay within reach of Peñarol in the first half, trailing 14-3 at the break, with their only points coming from a Lucas Tranquez penalty. However, Peñarol turned up the pressure in the second half, showcasing their attacking depth.
Key performances included:
- Guillermo Pujadas, who opened the scoring with a try from the back of a maul.
- Ignacio Facciolo, who finished a move set up by a brilliant pass from Bautista Farise, who also converted both early tries.
- Bautista Amaya, back from injury, crossed over early in the second half.
- Juan Francisco Aguirre and Joaquín Suárez sealed the result with late tries.
Cobras remain winless, sitting in seventh place with just two bonus points.
Pampas Capitalize on Red Card to Beat Yacare XV
In Buenos Aires, Pampas capitalized on the 20-minute red card shown to Yacare’s Joaquín Lamas for a reckless tackle. The home side built a 19-0 halftime lead, with tries from:
- Ignacio Bottazzini (hooker)
- Joaquín Moro (number eight)
- Alfonso Latorre (wing)
A late consolation try from Valentino di Capua was not enough for Yacare, as Pampas comfortably controlled the second half. Despite the win, Pampas missed out on a four-try bonus point, keeping them just behind Selknam in the standings.
Selknam’s Seven-Try Display in Santiago
Under the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains, Selknam delivered a dominant 49-14 victory over Tarucas, with all seven tries converted. The Chilean franchise asserted early dominance, scoring four converted tries in the first 32 minutes. Tarucas salvaged a last-second try to secure a losing bonus point but left Santiago with little else.
Tom Baguley: A Rising Star for Chile
A notable debut for Selknam was made by Tom Baguley, a soon-to-turn 19-year-old center with a unique journey to professional rugby.
- Born in Santiago, Baguley lived in Chile for a decade before moving to Malaysia and later South Africa.
- He played for Natal U16 and U18 and attended Michaelhouse, a prestigious school near Durban.
- Returning to Chile in January, he quickly caught the attention of Selknam’s coaching staff.
Baguley took the field in the 55th minute, marking an emotional homecoming. “It was awesome to play again,” he shared. “I’ve trained hard but hadn’t played since last June.”
Eligible for Los Cóndores through birthright, Baguley’s pathway into Chilean rugby reflects the development efforts underway in the country. With his Spanish fluency returning and his physical presence at 176cm and 87kg, he is determined to make an impact.
Looking Ahead
Súper Rugby Américas has solidified itself as a stepping stone to test rugby, offering young talents like Baguley a platform to progress. With Peñarol leading the charge, Selknam and Pampas staying close behind, and emerging players making their mark, the 2025 season is shaping up as the most competitive in the tournament’s history.
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