Los Jaguares Outclassed by Crusaders

Los Jaguares were outclassed by the Crusaders this morning, losing 32-15 against the Christchurch-based franchise in New Zealand’s second largest city. The five tries to two defeat sees the South Americans ending their three-match New Zealand tour with zero competition points.

Unlike the performances against the Blues and Hurricanes over previous weekends, this morning’s defeat was the first in which Los Jaguares were thoroughly outplayed. The New Zealanders were notably better as a team, playing at a pace in which the Buenos Aires based side could not compete against.

Making his return was fullback Israel Dagg. The All Black impressed, scoring two tries and setting up scrum half Andy Ellis. The difference between his return and that of returning Argentine players was that he entered a settled team with a clear formation. Los Jaguares, in contrast, continue to shop and change from one week to the next.

Dagg’s opposite, Joaquín Tuculet, is his team’s top player in his position but was absent in prior matches due, primarily, to selection rotation. A staggering nine changes were made by Raúl Pérez with Ramiro Herrera, Martín Landajo, Tomás Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Julián Montoya Matías Moroni, Ramiro Moyano, Nicolás Sánchez and Leonardo Senatore all being replaced.

Against a team as structured and settled as the Crusaders Los Jaguares were playing against the tide. With the Crusaders fast out of the blocks an early 22-3 lead was established, ultimately securing the result well ahead of time. Multiple Crusaders tries came from Jaguares errors.

The returning Juan Martín Hernández contributed Los Jaguares’ opening points with a penalty and he converted one of his team’s two tries. The scorers were back-rower Facundo Isa and inside center Santiago González Iglesias. Both crossed in the second half, a period in which the Argentine side outscored the New Zealanders by 12-10.

Los Jaguares are to now fly north to Japan to prepare for next Saturday’s fourth consecutive away fixture. The Argentine side will face fellow newcomers, the Sunwolves in Tokyo. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:15am Argentine time.

Scorers
Crusaders
Try: Ellis, Dagg (2), Mo’unga, Read
Conversion: Mo’unga (2)
Penalty: Mo’unga

Jaguares:
Try: Isa, González Iglesias
Conversion: Hernández
Penalty: Hernández

Crusaders
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (capt.), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Tim Boys, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Sean Wainui, 23 Ben Volavola

Los Jaguares
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Matías Orlando, 13 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 12 Santiago González Iglesias, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Juan Martín Hernández, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Rodrigo Báez, 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Agustín Creevy (capt.), 1 Santiago García Botta

Replacements: 16 Facundo Bosch, 17 Felipe Arregui, 18 Enrique Pieretto, 19 Juan Cruz Guillemaín, 20 Pablo Matera, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Joaquín Paz, 23 Lucas González Amorosino