Spain put a dent in Uruguay’s Rugby World Cup 2019 preparations with a stunning 41-21 victory over Los Teros at the Estadio Charrua in Montevideo on Saturday.
Having already beaten Brazil and Chile, the win ensured Los Leones travelled home from their tour of South America unbeaten.
Fly-half David Mélé contributed 16 points through a try, four conversions and a penalty as Spain extended their winning run in tests to six matches. Scrum-half Facundo Munilla and hooker Vicente del Hoyo bagged a brace of tries apiece, while winger Guillermo Domínguez also got on the scoresheet.
Los Teros could only manage three tries in reply through centre Andrés Vilaseca and replacements Juan Echeverría and Tomás Inciarte.
Spain’s first win on Uruguayan soil in 12 years was worth 2.15 points and, as a result, they trade places with their hosts and into an historic high of 17th in the World Rugby Rankings.
In the Elgon Cup, Uganda hold a three-point advantage over Kenya after winning the away leg of the two-match series, 16-13.
Uganda jump six places to 35th after gaining one-and-three-quarter points but they are still three places below defending champions Kenya who remain in 32nd despite the loss.
Malaysia were unable to reach the same heights as last week when they pushed Hong Kong close in a 30-24 defeat, falling 71-0 to the Asia Rugby Championship Top 3 defending champions in the return match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Both Paul Altier and Harry Sayers scored two tries in the contest while Alex Post, Jack Neville, Kane Boucaut, Lewis Warner, Liam Slatem and Tyler Spitz also dotted down for Hong Kong. Matt Rosslee kicked 14 points.
Malaysia will be relegated to Division I next year after finishing bottom of the three-team tournament. Hong Kong wrap up their campaign at home to Korea on 29 June.
No rating points were awarded to them for the victory due to there were being more than 13 points and 24 places between the sides.