Rodrigo Fernández (25) runs intensely on the lawn of Elías Figueroa. Take care of the ball and watch how the Canadian defense breathes tight. He knows that they will stop him and with that Chile will lose the trial option. But he is smarter than the others. He understands that Americans are in a disadvantaged position and gives them a “show and go” that the television cameras repeat until they get bored. It was a star shot. The one who clarified that Saturday, October 9 was his day.

“Yesterday, things happened, I had to be at the right time and in the right place, at the right time. But I think it was 100% thanks to the system we put in place as a team.” , Rodrigo begins by telling El Deportivo, a day after his performance in Valparaíso. There, he, his teammates and the thousands of fans who were present at the Playa Ancha site witnessed history. The domestic victory over Canada not only left the Condors a key away from their World Cup debut, but also erased those from the north from the world event for the first time.

A result that may seem impossible, but for the players it has always been there. “I think the key was trust in the process. Realizing that we have built something of our own that must be defended for all the effort we have put into it” , precise. But he also explains that without the people, it would have been impossible. “The audience was also very important. Playing with them again in the stadium was very pleasant and even more so with the energy they had. They are a plus in the most difficult times, so I just have to thank everyone who came.” confess.

His words of thanks and restraint come because this path has been long and sacrificed. On the strength of its achievements, this team is changing the face of national rugby. He gave it a new look, but stands out when asked if it’s the golden generation. “No, I think Chile has had very good generations in the past and other good ones will come too. But yes or yes we are the ones who have worked the hardest to achieve our goal, and also the ones who have done the more effort. I have no doubt about that.” launches the Chilean rear.

But in any case, the arrival of Pablo Lemoine in the country marks the spirits. “He was very important in changing the mentality of the group, he convinced a group of young people to be capable of something never achieved before, something really precious”, admits Rodrigo, who also took the opportunity to define the group of players who make up the national delegation, “A word that defines us is resilience. Being able to overcome countless adversities for a common dream has been the driving force behind the team” he adds.

Before continuing with the celebrations, Fernández addresses the Cóndores’ next challenge. The most important game in the history of national rugby. The final phase of the qualification for the World Cup against the United States. “They are a very experienced team, with players in the best leagues in the world and given their record they are the favorites to win this key. However, we weren’t favorites yesterday either, but that makes part of our motivation and that’s what drives us.” he concludes.