Friday, November 3rd, 2023.- Argentina faced unexpected challenges in their debut in rugby 7 at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. The defending champions and bronze medalists at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo defeated Jamaica 40-7 in their opening match in Group A of the preliminary phase at Estadio Municipal in La Pintana, south of the Chilean capital.

In front of more than three thousand spectators, the Crocs surprisingly opened the scoring with a try by Ronaldeni Fraser, taking a 7-0 lead. However, Argentinian Santiago Mare managed to level the score and eventually give the advantage to the Albiceleste, allowing them to take control of the game.

In the second half, Argentina came out determined to confirm their favoritism, and Santiago Vera Feld overcame the Caribbean defense on two occasions to extend the lead. Marcos Moneta and Vera Feld himself sealed a victory.

Argentina will seek to secure their spot in the semifinals in the afternoon session, where they will face two classic South American rivals. At 5:55 p.m., they will take on Chile's Cóndores, and at 8:50 p.m., they will face Uruguay's Teros. The final phase will be held on Saturday.

Written by Rodrigo Parragué and Nicolás Olea; translated by Josefina Zamorano / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Cristian Soto / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport