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Los Jaguares Head Coach Raúl Pérez has named a 27-man roster for the upcoming South Africa tour. The Argentine Super Rugby franchise will play away matches against the Sharks, Bulls and Lions on April 08, 15 and 21.
Pérez has named 15 forwards and 12 backs for the three-match tour. Included for the first time this season is Enrique Pieretto. The Tight-Head prop was suspended playing for Argentina vs England in November. His inclusion is a welcome return as Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro continues his recovery from injury.
Joining Tetaz Chaparro in remaining home are Juan Manuel Leguizamón and Javier Ortega Desio. The flankers are both being given additional recovery time. With Los Jaguares having notable depth in the back-row it is a sensible option.
Despite having suffered a minor knee injury against the Reds, Marcos Kremer has been included. He is one of just three second-rowers touring. This is based on firstly Tomás Lavanini continuing his rehabilitation and secondly due to the cover offered from the versatile Benjamín Macome.
In the backs Joaquín Díaz Bonilla is back. He started in the opening round match against the Southern Kings but has missed out since. Having had game time with Hindú he has been deemed match-fit for the tour. It also sees Juan Martín Hernández being rested. Having been a star against in the home wins, El Mago is being managed ahead of the home matches against the Sharks, Sunwolves and Western Force.
Not considered due to injury is Matías Moroni. The outside center fractured his hand playing against the Lions and has seen his spot taken over by Matías Orlando. This has also seen a lot of game time for Ramiro Moyano who has been the story of the season thus far for Los Jaguares.
Also out is Manuel Montero. His non-avaliability is also motivated by player-management. He wis expected toe be back for the home matches. As such Bautista Ezcurra has again been included as a winger. Ezcurra is, by trade, a fly half who can play inside center.
Emiliano Boffelli is included and will be considered for multiple positions. Having played wing in 2016 his height make him well suited to fullback while his style make him a strong option in the mid-field.
JAGUARES
Forwards: Lucas Noguera Paz, Santiago García Botta, Agustín Creevy, Roberto Tejerizo, Felipe Arregui, Ramiro Herrera, Enrique Pieretto, Matías Alemanno, Guido Petti, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Tomás Lezana, Leonardo Senatore, Rodrigo Báez, Benjamín Macome
Backs: Gonzalo Betranou, Felipe Ezcurra, Nicolás Sánchez, Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, Jerónimo De la Fuente, Matías Orlando, Santiago González Iglesias, Emiliano Boffelli, Bautista Ezcurra, Ramiro Moyano, Santiago Cordero, Joaquín Tuculet
