Emotional Uruguay captain gives 'best interview ever'

Captain Juan Manuel Gaminara gave an emotional post-match interview after Uruguay produced the first major upset of this year’s World Cup by beating Fiji 30-27. 

The teary flanker was speechless at times, as he said how proud he was of the victory in Kamaishi City. With a squad that is comprised of some part-time players, the skipper said that they play with a passion that comes from “inside”.

That cannot be denied, as it was all too clear to see that his side simply wanted it more than a Fijian team that were perhaps too complacent. 

Gaminara’s emotional interview has won over many fans across the world, with an equally passionate response on social media. Fans have said that this is what is so special about the RWC – and sport in general – with some describing it as the best post-match interview ever. 

There’s no denying the Gaminara was overwhelmed and it would be hard for any fan to not be inspired by his response. 

(Continue reading below…)

This is the first result of the RWC so far this year that is comparable to Japan’s victory over the Springboks in 2015, although not as epic, and it has captured the imagination of the rugby world. This has been the reaction: 

https://twitter.com/NickBabaya/status/1176804958710181891?s=20

Watching the Uruguay captain talk about the match has me overwhelmed. Felt every word. His passion for the game so evident. You earned this win Uruguay?? deserved it far more.#RWC2019  #FIJvURU

— Moonchild ??? (@WritingNaked) September 25, 2019

#RWC2019 That interview with the Uruguay captain damn it’s dusty in here! ?

— DanB15 (@B15Dan) September 25, 2019

Watching the emotion of the Uruguay captain during his interview – they really wanted this ?? Why I love rugby #RWC2019 #FIJvURU Hard luck @fijirugby

— Lucky_to_live_in_Aotearoa_Liz (@lizbifnz) September 25, 2019

The Uruguay captain's speech just captures the complete magic of World Cups. Whatever the sport, the chance for the little guy to get an upset and put themselves on the world stage. Would be lying if I said it didn't make me tear up #RWC2019

— MyWifeSheDie (@JurgenPls) September 25, 2019

Best post match interview I’ve ever seen from the captain of Uruguay – epic. #RWC2019

— Simon Elkinson (@OnsideRecruiter) September 25, 2019

Juan Manuel Gaminara goes straight in at No.1 in this week’s Top Interview charts. I bloody well don’t want you to stop now either! #RWC2019 https://t.co/cdrJRG4MWN

— Sue Helmont (she/her) (@susan_helmont) September 25, 2019

Goddamn this captain. His words are going to make me become a Uruguay fan.#FIJvURU #RWC2019

— BleakBure (@BleakBure) September 25, 2019

Well deserved Uruguay! I’m getting emotional just from watching their captain speak ?

— ?? (@barxkiddo) September 25, 2019

Gaminara himself said that his side are not the biggest or the tallest, as they were heavy underdogs against a Fiji side that were expected to impress at this tournament. 

Having changed twelve players from their starting XV which lost to Australia on Saturday, Fiji simply could not match Uruguay’s determination. The stats may largely be in Fiji’s favour, but the numbers do not provide the intangibles that were all on display from an impassioned Uruguay outfit. 

Uruguay now have a four-day turnaround before they play Georgia on Sunday in Kumagaya City. Buoyed by this result, they will be seeking another shock win before they face Australia and Wales in their final two matches.

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