Chile's rugby team, Los Cóndores, lost 34-19 to Italy in an unprecedented test match held in Genoa, as preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Despite the defeat, the team coached by Pablo Lemoine put up a competitive showing against the world's 10th-ranked side. It was the first time Chile faced a tier 1 team in an official match.
The match took place at Genoa's Stadio Luigi Ferraris, with a large crowd in attendance. Los Cóndores started aggressively, but Italy opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a try from Ange Capuozzo, converted by Giacomo da Re. In the 24th minute, Da Re added three points via penalty.
Chile held strong defensively but conceded another try in the 35th minute by Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, unconverted. Before halftime, Salvador Lues scored Chile's first try with a pick and go, converted by Tomás Salas, keeping the score close.
In the second half, Nicolás Saab narrowed the gap at the 48th minute with a try confirmed by the TMO and converted by Salas, making it 15-14. Italy hit back with Di Bartolomeo's try in the 53rd, converted. A yellow card to Clemente Saavedra in the 59th left Chile with 14 players for 10 minutes, allowing Monty Ioane's tries in the 62nd and 72nd minutes (only one converted).
Saavedra returned and scored Chile's third try at the end, unconverted. The game ended 34-19. Prior to the match, Santiago Pedrero was awarded the best try of the year at the World Rugby Awards for his score against Samoa.
This test, part of the Quilter Nations Series, underscores Los Cóndores' progress after qualifying for the World Cup for the second straight time.
