Paraguay shocked spectators at Estadio Héroes de Curupayty, as they beat Brazil 39 - 19 in their first game of the South America World Rugby Repechage tournament.
The last time the two nations faced each other, Brazil came away with a huge 77 - 17 win at São Paulo’s Estadio Nicolau Alayon, but Paraguay’s surprise win on the weekend has put those ghosts to rest.
This match comes off the back of the Brazilian union dismissing head coach Emiliano Caffera, replacing him with Director of Rugby Josh Reeves - a high stakes move ahead of such a significant clash that hasn’t seemed to pay off.
Brazil vs Paraguay match report
Hosts Paraguay won the first points of the match, as prop Quinteros dove over the whitewash for the first try, which fly-half Urbieta converted.
However, despite this strong side, it seemed that Brazil would quickly establish the dominance that they enjoyed last game, as they steadily built a nine point lead.
Paraguay was not ready to give away their chance at Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification that easily though, as they forced the Brazilian side down to 14 men, and their lead down to just two points as half time rolled around.
Paraguay was able to keep their aggressive momentum in the second half, deftly keeping the ball within their opponent’s half for the majority of the forty minutes.
Three ties, a conversion and a penalty in the second half saw Paraguay storm into the lead, with their strong set pieces and Urbieta’s six successful conversions showing impressive skill and clocking up golden points to secure his team’s lead.
The full time whistle saw fans flood the pitch to celebrate the win, which is their most convincing conquest since 2005 - in fact, it’s their first victory full stop since 2015.
What does this mean for RWC 2027 qualification?
The two nations will face each other once more in the South America World Rugby Repechage, this time in Brazil at Estadio Du Cambusano next Saturday.
Whoever wins of the two sides will then enter the World Rugby Final Qualification tournament, which takes place in Dubai in November. They will face Namibia, Belgium and Samoa to fight for the final RWC 2027 qualification spot.
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