Chile secured their place in next year’s IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in Kenya with victory over Paraguay as Argentina edged out Uruguay to claim the South American Under 19 Championship at the Jockey Club de Córdoba in Argentina.

Chile scored 11 tries as they defeated Paraguay 68-14 in the match to decide who would represent South America at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009.

National head coach Daniel Graco was very pleased with the performance. “Our team played to their potential, both forwards and backs and to score 11 tries is testament to that.”

Uruguay push Argentina all the way

Argentina struggled against a brave Uruguay in the tournament decider, but three tries ultimately won them the match 15-9.

Valentin Cruz opened the scoring for Argentina with a try in the 12th minute before Juan De Freitas responded with a Uruguay penalty. Nicolas Guisasola extended Argentina’s lead to 10-3 with their second try before Uruguay clawed the score back to 10-9 in the hosts’ favour with two penalties before half time.

Alessandro Torres Suar’s try for Argentina proved to be the only score in a tight and competitive second half.

Both Argentina and Uruguay will compete in next year’s IRB Junior World Championship in Japan.