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In an extremely evenly fought contest the Jaguares came off second best against the Sharks. Played this afternoon in Durban, the home side completed an 18-13 victory.
Central to Los Jaguares failing to get the win was errors. Handling mistakes combined with organization from the Sharks to see the Durban-based franchise increasing their streak against Los Jaguares to 3-0.
Scoring first was the Sharks. Scrum half Cobus Reinach exploited Pablo Matera to run 70 meters and score. Los Jaguares looked to respond quickly and soon found themselves leading 6-5. Two Nicolás Sánchez penalties gave Los Jaguares the lead.
It would not be held, however, as the Sharks fought back to lead 8-6 at the interval. The Sharks reclaimed the lead following a high tackle from Marcos Kremer. Los Jaguares, nonetheless, could have been in front had opportunities have been taken.
The Sharks looked to see off Los Jaguares by doing the basics right. This was highly evident in the second half. A heavy focus on delivering at the set-piece areas of scrum and lineout in addition to the maul ultimately saw the Sharks triumphant.
The Sharks threatened to scores and eventually did so. Crossing was center Andre Esterhuizen. His score gave the hosts a 15-6 lead. It also meant the Sharks had a 2 tries to 0 advantage.
Los Jaguares were playing differently. The team’s now famous style of high-risk play packed with off-loading saw mistakes occur with regularity. Discipline did not aid the South American’s chances either as Nicolás Sánchez was yellow carded.
Los Jaguares, though, managed to pull out a trick as captain Agustín Creevy crossed. With Sánchez off the field winger Bautista Ezcurra stepped up to add the conversion.It made it a two point game with 18 minutes remaining.
The try gave Raúl Pérez’ side hope though referee Angus Gardner would ultimately contribute to the result. The leading Australian referee awarded the Sharks a penalty from a Jaguares scrum. Curwin Bosch’s penalty would be the final score of the afternoon.
Los Jaguares will now travel north. Remaining matches await the Argentine side against both the Bulls and Lions. From there they will return to Buenos Aires to play host to the Sharks on April 29.
SCORERS
SHARKS
Try: Reinach, Esterhuizen
Conversion: Bosch
Penalty: Bosch (2)
JAGUARES
Try: Creevy
Conversion: Ezcurra
Penalty: Sánchez (2)
Yellow Card: Sánchez
SHARKS
15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Inny Radebe, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Tera Mtembu (Capt.), 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Ruan Botha, 20 Philip van der Walt, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Rhyno Smith, 23 Jeremy Ward
JAGUARES
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Ramiro Moyano, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 11 Bautista Ezcurra, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Tomás Lezana, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Marcos Kremer, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (Capt.), 1 Lucas Noguera Paz
Replacements: 16 Roberto Tejerizo, 17 Santiago García Botta, 18 Felipe Arregui, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Rodrigo Baez, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Emiliano Boffelli
