Cubelli Expected Back in April

Tomás Cubelli is expected to be back playing in April. The Jaguares and Pumas scrum-half was injured playing against New Zealand in Buenos Aires in September. He started both matches against the All Blacks ahead of Martín Landajo and had seemingly confirmed himself as Argentina’s best no 9.

Cubelli and Landajo have been permanent scrum-halves under Daniel Hourcade. In the absence of Cubelli, for the final four test matches of 2017, Gonzalo Bertranou was deputy to Landajo. All three are preparing for Los Jaguares for the upcoming Super Rugby campaign.

Cubelli is training by himself. His return time of April comes earlier than initially expected as he suffered a fractured vertebrae.  The injury meant his long awaited debt with Los Jaguares would be delayed. He joins the Argentine franchise after two years playing for the Brumbies in Australia.

The Brumbies have enjoyed two better years than the first two of Los Jaguares. With Mario Ledesma now the Head Coach there is hope that the team can be more competitive and the legendary Argentine hooker is targeting an appearance in the play-off’s.

Ledesma is set to announce his captain for the 2018 season this week. Speculation indicates that Agustín Creevy will not be the leader. He will continue as Los Pumas’ skipper but his responsibilities will be eased at Los Jaguares. This will aid Daniel Hourcade as other players will be able to get more game time at hooker.

Cubelli and Landajo have both acted as captain under Hourcade, doing so primarily in the second half of matches following Creevy’ substitution. Juan Manuel Leguizamón also has prior experience.

Currently with 63 test caps, Cubelli is a genuine Pumas veteran. In Super Rugby he has 18 appearances, one less than Landajo. Bertranou has more than both with 23 appearances while Felipe Ezcurra has 12 Super Rugby caps. Sebastián Cancelliere joins them as the scrum-half options though his regular position is set to be wing.