In the grand scheme of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Uruguay's shock 30-27 defeat of Fiji on Wednesday in Kamaishi may prove just a blip, but the victorious players want the world to know what it represents to them.

"It means a lot for us, we made a lot of sacrifices in the last four years," Uruguay fullback Gaston Mieres said.

(Gaston Mieres of Uruguay)[World Rugby/Getty/Kyodo]  

"We had a big plan today to win this game and we are really, really happy we could achieve it."

The win for the underdog nation which had just two from three previous Rugby World Cups -- and none against a team of Fiji's stature -- could be a watershed moment.

"We are not the (high-profile Uruguay) soccer team, but the World Cup is a huge event and it has been increasing a lot the numbers of rugby players at home, and I think they are going to be really, really happy for us," added Mieres.

In the post-match press conference, the Uruguay coach and captain spoke passionately about what it means to be a professional, given there are very few players from their country who have ever been paid to play.

For them, it does not mean a big contract, fancy car and multiple homes.

It means showing up to work every day, both at their place of employment and on the rugby pitch, no matter what.

"Money doesn't make players. It's something else, it's their quality and dedication regardless of how much or little they earn. We showed that today," said head coach Esteban Meneses.

(Uruguay head coach Esteban Meneses)[World Rugby/Getty/Kyodo]  

Uruguay captain Juan Manuel Gaminara could not have agreed more.

"I'm pretty certain that most of the international press here today and the world over doesn't know a single Uruguayan player, but I can assure you that our players are the most professional in the entire World Cup," he said defiantly.

"And it has nothing to do with money, but rather the dedication, passion and sacrifice that we all show."

That passion was well demonstrated on Wednesday, with the South Americans throwing their bodies left and right in front of marauding Pacific Islanders, players not known as the Flying Fijians because they are timid when hitting the line.

Uruguay racked up almost double as many tackles as Fiji while trailing in both field position and possession statistics, making their victory even more sweet -- if perhaps a little painful tomorrow.

And Fiji coach John McKee was adamant his team did not take their opponents lightly. Rather, he gave Uruguay all the credit.

"I hope we didn't," he said when questioned about whether his team went into the match underestimating their opponents. "It was certainly one of the things we talked about."

(Fiji coach John McKee)[World Rugby/Getty/Kyodo]  

"We knew that we were coming off the short turnaround, and them playing their first game of Rugby World Cup 2019, they would be very focused on this match and see it as an opportunity."

"This is sport we play, you can't predict it. You can't predict the outcome. Great credit to Uruguay with their commitment and how they worked in the game. They obviously worked for each other and they got what was quite a historic result."

Gaminara agreed the win was historic, and he wants the world to know Uruguayan players have a lot more to give.

"Nowadays, in professional rugby it's easier to sign on a Pacific player rather than a Uruguayan. We have players just as driven but because nobody knows us, nobody really pays us any attention," he said.

"That changes today. Our side has world-class players and today was a testament to it."