Super Rugby Americas: Selknam falls to the last team of the American Raptors

I start the second round of Super Rugby Americas with a terrible result for selknam . The Nationals lost 26-22 against the American Raptors, the absolute last team in the championship, on the ninth day.

The Chilean cast suffered from the cold in Glenendale, Colorado . Those who attended Infinity Park witnessed an intense and locked encounter. Those led by Nicolás Bruzzone needed a victory to close the gap with Pampas and Yacaré XV, but they were far from it. With five duels to play and two teams practically in it, qualification for the semi-finals looks more and more distant.

There was no dynamism during the first part. As the national team went into lethargy, the American franchise seemed more at ease . In fact, they took the lead with an excellent try from Ethan McVeigh in the second minute. However, Uruguayan judge Francisco González overturned the annotation due to a previous foul in the game. Shawn Clark was cautioned for committing a dangerous act and left his cast with one man short for ten minutes.

It also didn’t mean a clean and jerk for Selknam. Even things got worse despite the numerical superiority. In this context came the injury of Javier Carrasco, who had to be replaced . Losses, following the trend that was experienced in the contest, were once again a complication. The Raptors never felt the difference and took the lead thanks to a try from rookie Daytown Sheridan (12′). Lucas González lost the opportunity to widen the gap.

At 5-0, the North Americans went strong, beating the Chileans on all counts. However, at its best moment came Diego Escobar’s try, which leveled the action. Matías Garafulic also failed to convert with his punch.

The parity was not going to last long since Clark, protagonist throughout the match, scored from the left lane (29 ‘). This time, the Argentinian managed to ratify his conversion. A minute later, the tie seemed to arrive. Lukas Carvallo ended up with the oval and couldn’t control it perfectly. He caught it, called and scored a try again, but the referee called it off. The Raptors held on and the game went to halftime winning 12-5.

In the second half, things did not improve. In addition, the decentrations and errors of the Chileans continued. With nine minutes left, McVeigh stretched the lead again with a great game. Meanwhile, González failed with his punch. However, the trans-Andean added three points soon after.

Gradually the intensity started to build and the changes came in in a great way, but it wasn’t enough. At minute 58, Gaspar Moltedo scored on the first ball he touched and gave the Nationals the illusion. Garafulic confirmed with a superb shot. However, the Argentine scored from three again twice making a comeback impossible. In the end, a try by Nicolás Herreros and another by Ignacio Silva made up the final 26-22.