Fans celebrate Wales v Fiji result across North Wales

FAMOUS TRY Lemoine’s memories of his famous try have been jogged recently when it was re-run by World Rugby.

In reality it has been anything but.

But that scenario will not stop the South Sea Islanders, who knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup following a thrilling pool stage win in Nantes, from trying to push Sam Warburton’s team all the way.

In the end Wales emerged 23-13 winners, but again it took its toll with out-half and goal kicker Dan Biggar limping off with an injury.

“The truth is that we don’t think about winning here, but about showing our game, and if we win it will be as a effect of doing things well”, captain Santiago Vilaseca said. However, playing like this has its disadvantages too, as Fiji dropped the ball on far too many occasions for my, and possibly coach John McKee’s, liking.

It is the first time in 12 years that Uruguay qualified for the World Cup and Lemoine, a former Stade Francais prop, says it is a steep learning curve.

“We know a lot of people will be looking forward to this match and so we hope to do our best and finish the tour on a high note. They’ve showed what a strong, passionate team they are”, McKee said.

Commentators praised Los Teros for aiming to score a try in their match against Australia rather than just chasing points and kicking penalties. He plays for Stade Montois in France and has also represented Uruguay in Sevens.

He said he couldn’t fault his players’ effort and performances. Yet there were a few minutes where Lloyd Williams would have to reprise his role of makeshift winger, when Cuthbert went for a concussion check.

On paper, Fiji have been the worst of the Pacific trio, losing all three opening pool games and facing the prospect of a winless campaign unless they overcome Uruguay on Tuesday. “The greatest achievement is to score in the World Cup and it will be fantastic for the players”.

Meanwhile, Uruguay made six changes – four in the forwards – to the lineup which lost to Australia 65-3 last week. “We are working on our defense in general, and were doing so even before the tournament, as that was always a challenge”.

Taking a big bite out of a steak sandwich, he reassures me that they haven’t come just to watch other teams.

“Our aim is to develop a team that can qualify for the RWC and which has better ability on the pitch, as well as growing the sport of rugby”.