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Argentina’s men remained unbeaten on the opening day of the South American championships at the Mar del Plata Sevens but were made to work hard by rivals Brazil in Zone A.

In sweltering conditions, the Pumas were totally dominant in their opening fixture against Peru (54-0) with a hat-trick for Joaquin Todeschini and a brace from Santiago Gomez Cora. This was followed up with a comprehensive display against Paraguay, winning through 45-0 with two tries for Francisco Grosse.

Brazil, often overshadowed by the hugely successful women’s side, proved a much stiffer challenge for the Pumas. The IRB Sevens’ leading try-scorer Santiago Gomez Cora scored early and despite Fernando Portugal’s try for the Brazilians, Grosse’s second half score proved the difference in the 12-7 win for Argentina.

Brazil had earlier beaten Paraguay (12-0) and Peru (26-0) to join the Pumas in the gold semi-Finals taking place later today.

In Zone B Uruguay’s Los Teros finished top of the pile but found the going tough at the Sporting Club. The crunch game was their final match against Chile, with both sides unbeaten going into the Pool decider. Uruguay edged it by three tries to two to top the pool and set up a semi-final clash with Brazil.

Earlier on Los Teros had beaten Colombia (12-5) and Venezuela (28-14) to set them on their way. The Chileans wins against Venezuela (38-14) and Colombia (17-14) were enough to see them through to the semi-finals where they will play Argentina.

In the women’s competition as expected it was Brazil who dominated with a couple of big wins in Zone A. First up the "Cariocas" beat Peru (45-0) and then went on to beat Chile (29-0) to confirm their semi-final presence. The Brazilians will play their final group match tonight against Uruguay.

In Zone B it was Colombia who finished on top winning all three of their matches scraping past Venezuela (12-5) before being more comfortable against Argentina (17-7) and Paraguay (38-0).

The international section kicks-off later tonight with both the USA and SA Vipers set to make their first appearance at this year’s Mar del Plata.

They will be joined the top four sides in the South American men competition, who upon concluding their championship will then face-off against the USA and Boks.

South Africa open up against Chile before Brazil tackle the USA. Uruguay will then play South Africa with the Pumas finishing off the day against the USA.

Mar del Plata Sevens Tuesday Results:

South American Men

Zone A:

Argentina 54 | 0 Peru
Brazil 12 | 0 Paraguay
Argentina 45 | 0 Paraguay
Brazil 26 | 0 Peru
Paraguay 21 | 7 Peru
Argentina 12 | 7 Brazil

Zone B:

Chile 38 | 7 Venezuela
Uruguay 12 | 5 Colombia
Chile 17 | 14 Colombia
Uruguay 28 | 14 Venezuela
Colombia 19 | 12 Venezuela
Chile 12 | 19 Uruguay

South American Women

Zone A:

Uruguay 17 | 5 Chile
Brasil 45 | 0 Perú
Uruguay 39 | 0 Peru
Brazil 29 | 0 Chile
Chile 36 | 0 Peru

Zone B:

Venezuela 5 | 12 Colombia
Argentina 34 | 0 Paraguay
Venezuela 19 | 7 Paraguay
Argentina 7 | 17 Colombia
Colombia 38 | 0 Paraguay