Samoa A and Uruguay XV are in the driver's seats in the Americas Pacific Challenge after both won games in Round 2 action Wednesday.

Samoa A battled past Tonga A in a hugely physical encounter. Meanwhile, Uruguay scored two late tries to turn an 18-18 tie game into a 33-18 victory over USA Selects. Both Samoa A and Uruguay XV are 2-0.

Argentina XV dominated Canada 45-5 to improve to 1-1.

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For the USA, this was a disappointing game because it started out so well. Early pressure led to a Dylan Audsley penalty goal, and while Uruguay had the better of the scrum engagements, the Americans scored a well-taken try to make it 15-11 for Uruguay at halftime.

In the second half, Ryan Matyas produced a piece of magic to run into the corner — a quick tap from Devereux Ferris and support from Hanco Germishuys helped set that up. At the point, it was 18-18. But attacking opportunities for the USA Selects were squandered, and a frustrating inability of the deep three to manage the high ball led to a try, and a penalty, and then another try at the end of the game.

Que lujo que se dió #UruguayXV, jugando con el apoyo de los chicos de #Casavalle, #CerroNorte, #Maroñas y #MalvínNorte ???
Ganó URUGUAY y también ganamos nosotros #APC2018 ??? #EstadioCharrúa ? pic.twitter.com/9IKhKr0QU6

— Pelota al Medio (@Pelotaalmedio) October 10, 2018

The USA players knocked on too many balls in their own 22, kicked away possession for little gain, and then found themselves having to defend a scrum in their territory as the game wound down.

Samoa A wing Johnny Vaili scored two tries to pace his team to the win over Tonga A. Facundo Corder's brace helped Argentina XV humble a Canada team that is really struggling right now.