Experienced Uruguayan forward Diego Magno is expecting a tough test from Chile at the Charrúa Stadium in Montevideo on Saturday as Los Teros attempt to win the 38th edition of the South American A Championship.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 competitors go into this weekend’s final round of fixtures two points clear of their nearest rivals after wins over Brazil and Paraguay.

The history books favour a Los Teros win: their only loss at home to Chile came almost 60 years ago, in 1958. Overall, their record in the head-to-head is vastly superior with 35 wins, 11 losses and one draw.

“It is always a big game for us as there is always something at stake, be it a Rugby World Cup place, ranking points or the Sudamericano as is this case,” said 57-cap veteran Magno.

“We have been working very hard with coach Esteban Meneses who has used a wide squad, ensuring we are always on our edge. We have embraced his style of play and are confident of what we are doing but Chile is never easy. We narrowly beat them in Santiago earlier this year.”

Defending champions Chile followed up a comfortable win over Paraguay in their opening game with a draw against Brazil, who have an outside chance of pipping Los Condores for second spot – and a place alongside the winners and Argentina in next year’s Sudamérica Rugby Cup. This year’s Sudamérica Rugby Cup follows the South American A Championship and features Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.

BUOYANT BRAZIL AIM TO FINISH ON A HIGH

The third and final round is completed with Brazil travelling to play Paraguay at the Héroes de Curupaytí rugby stadium on the outskirts of the capital city Asunción.

If Chile lose and Brazil are prevail, both teams would finish level on points. Second place will then be decided by points differential.

Going into Saturday’s match, Chile boost a points difference of + 61 points compared to -22 for Brazil. After losing five on the bounce to Os Tupis from 2008 to 2012, Paraguay have taken the last two games.

Since the start of the South American A Championship there has been a reversal in fortunes when it comes to the countries’ respective World Rugby Rankings. Brazil, a country experiencing a huge boost in playing and spectator numbers, has climbed six places to 36th, whereas Paraguay have dropped two to 39th.

Photo: Kevin Gorostiaga