Los Teros of Uruguay have won the Intercontinental Cup, building on a strong 27-0 half-time lead to defeat Portugal 30-3 at the Luis Franzini Stadium in Montevideo.

The Uruguayan team, which competed at the Rugby World Cup in Australia, won two tests in a week to claim the accolade, first beating Georgia 17-7 the previous Saturday to reach the final and then overwhelming Portugal.

Portugal arrived in South America a relative unknown quantity but one which certainly merited respect: The side has been shortlisted by the IRB Awards panel of former internationals as nominee for international team of the year, and coach Tomaz Morais is also nominated for the coach's award.

However, on the day the Uruguayans never allowed the Portuguese to settle, and made good use of the possession they gained, while repelling Portugal through strong defence.

Four tries from Ignacio Conti, captain Juan Campomar, Nicolás Brignoni and Alfredo Giuria, proved the difference, while Agustín Pérez Castillo kicked two conversions and one penalty. For Portugal Gonçalo Malheiro scored one penalty kick.

Intercontinental Cup results:

30/10/2004 Uruguay 17-7 Georgia
30/10/2004 Chile 9-28 Portugal

6/11/2004 Uruguay 30-3 Portugal
6/11/2004 Chile 30-24 Georgia