Diego Ormaechea has shaped Uruguay into a competitive side

They managed victories over fellow minnows Chile and Paraguay, but were overwhelmed by Argentina, Fiji, Canada and the United States.

Their year got off to a winning start with back-to-back victories in April's South American Championship.

In a tight contest against Chile they came away 20-13 winners and followed that up with a crushing 53-7 victory over Paraguay.

But their week of rugby finished in defeat against Argentina and Uruguay have not won since.

The Pumas put out a largely second-string side for the contest but still cruised to a 32-0 victory in Montevideo.

FORM IN 2003 27 Apr: Uruguay 20-13 Chile 30 Apr: U'guay 53-7 Paraguay 4 May: Uruguay 0-32 Argentina 14 Aug: Uruguay 3-24 Fiji 23 Aug: U'guay 11-21 Canada 27 Aug: U'guay 0-57 Argentina 30 Aug: Uruguay 17-31 USA

Fast forward three-and-a-half months and a much strengthened and improved Argentine line-up crushed Uruguay in the Pan-American Championships.

The return of influential scrum-half Agustin Pichot, playing his first international in nine months, helped ease the Pumas to nine tries in an easy 57-0 victory.

Those defeats to Argentina sandwiched losses to Fiji and Canada.

Uruguay were outclassed by a Fijian side who benefited from a blitz in the final 10 minutes which gave the scoreline a more flattering look for the visitors.

Against Canada, Uruguay at least crossed the try-line with winger Alfonso Cardoso touching down, but having fallen behind 11-0 by half-time they were unable to bridge the gap.

SPANISH RUGBY TERMINOLOGY Try: Ensayo Penalty: Penalti Tackle: Placaje Come on ref: Venga arbitro Cauliflower ears: Orejas de coliflor

Uruguay had absolutely no answer to Argentina as they were trounced 57-0 in a nine-try routa.

And they picked up the Pan-American Championships wooden spoon when finishing second best to the United States.

Hernan Ponte and Juan Campomar managed tries for Uruguay but the team were criticised afterwards by the Americans for unnecessary aggression.