Mexico win helps revival of Caribbean 15s

Central America and the Caribbean is the only part of the world without a means of qualifying for the World Cup or WXV. Despite having had a fifteens championship before any other region other than Europe, the decline in the format in the region, mainly due to inter-island travel costs, left it on the sidelines when the qualification process for WXV and the 2025 World Cup was being decided.

But Mexico could be re-igniting the flame of interest in 15s in the region which might change that in time for 2029.

In July they made their test debut against Trinidad – a giant of Caribbean XVs in the first decade of the century- in the first official fifteens Caribbean championship for 13 years, winning 27-0. And this weekend. And this weekend they took on Trinidad’s old rival, Jamaica, and in the process revived woke the Jamaicans from a 13-year test rugby hibernation.

Mexico’s small extra experience was an important difference between the teams, by Jamaica were far from overwhelmed. Mexico’s first try came in the 5^th minute after a long series of pick-and-goes had been stifled by a well-drilled Jamaican defence. 7-0.

Mexico continued to dominate possession for the next 10 minutes, but that well-drilled Jamaican defence kept them at bay outside their22, so when they were awarded a penalty in the 16^th minute Mexico took the points. 10-0.

However, soon after the restart the did find a way through. The excellent kicking of the Mexican fly-half first set up a Mexican line-out deep into the Jamaican half, before the superior speed and handling of the Mexicans resulted in a second try - and an excellent kick extended the lead further. 17-0.

Jamaica did have an advantage up front and gradually worked their way into a promising position after this, but one kick from the Mexican fly-half turned all that over. Shortly after Mexico won another penalty and went for the posts again. 20-0 was the score after the first half hour.

Jamaica lacked a kicker to match this and consequently, even after turning Mexico over, struggled to escape from their end and five minutes later and a third Mexican try extended their lead – needless to say converted with ease. 27-0.

An interception gave Mexico a fourth try just before the break, which came with the home team 34-0 ahead.

Six minutes into the second-half and a fifth try too Mexico to 39-0, but the conversion was missed -for the first time, but shortly after the restart a great break by a Jamaican set her team up for their first try. 39-7 after 54 minutes.

Again a good period for Jamaica followed, but again it was undone by an amazing 50:22 Mexican clearance kick, the resulting lineout setting up a sixth Mexican try, and a fifth conversion. 46-7 after 63 minutes.

A long period of Mexican pressure was resisted by Jamaica before another break, this time from well within their 22m line, resulted in a second Jamaican try. 46-14, and then. From what would be the final play of the game, a third – this time breaking from halfway. 46-19.