After what was an amazing opening round in Uruguay at the World Rugby Nations Cup, with massive wins for Russia against Argentina XV, Spain against Namibia and the much celebrated Teros’ victory over Emerging Italy, the six teams are back at the quaint Charrúa Stadium for the crucial round two.

Played entirely at the aptly named Land of Los Teros in the leafy districts of Montevideo, Wednesday will see the home team play the Russian Bears in a crucial game in terms of very important World Rugby Rankings points. 

Los Teros start the game in 21st position, with 61.48 ratings points, against a Russian side buoyed by their one point win against Argentina XV, who are on 62.40.

“We know the importance of this game as we want to continue rising in the rankings ahead of our Rugby World Cup qualifying games. We need this kind of competition and starting with a win is always important moving forward to Russia who have a strong, physical side,” said Uruguay coach Esteban Meneses, who has made wholesale changes to his starting 15. Only captain Juan Manuel Gaminara is retained in the pack, with the likes of prop Mario Sagario and number eight Alejandro Nieto regaining their place after an experimental pack was selected for the opening game.

Changes in the backline

In the backs, injured fly-half Germán Albanell is replaced by France-based Felipe Berchesi, while winger Gastón Mieres is back after a two-game suspension to add speed, strength and experience to a backline that was on song in the opening round.

Russia, after a six-try win against a strong Argentina XV, grew in belief and confidence and start the game at the top of the table being the only team from the opening round to take a winning bonus point.

Emerging Italy and Namibia, losers in the opening round, will be trying to get their tournament back on track with an urgent need of a win.

“Our first-round loss was expected because we brought a young squad that needs this kind of experience,” said Emerging Italy coach Gianluca Guidi about his inexperienced team selected from the Eccellenza tournament. 

Physical side

“Namibia are a very physical side. They have good forwards and really big backs. For our guys, who play in the domestic competition, it is very important because we must step up to that level.”

With no ranking points at stake, the Europeans will want to leave the bottom of the table, having not won a bonus point in the game against Uruguay.

The second game of the day will be between Argentina XV and Spain. Again, no ranking points will be at stake but it will be an important opportunity for the Spaniards to execute their game plan more efficiently than in the first round.

Assistant coach Valentín Telleriarte said: “The game against Namibia was crucial because there were ranking points at stake and we are ranked higher than them. We won but not playing the way we wanted so our big aim for Spain will be to deliver on our plan.”

In front of them will be an Argentina XV side reeling from defeat against Russia and wanting to get the country back on a winning track after Los Pumitas lost three on the trot in Georgia and Los Pumas lost to England in the last minute of the first test in San Juan.