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Marcelo Bosch scored his 10th Champions Cup career try as Saracens humiliated the Northampton Saints on Saturday. The Aviva Premiership clubs squared-off in a final round fixture in Europe.
The Argentine outside center crossed for what the the third try for Saracens. The London-based side went on to score seven tries while conceding just two. It gave them a 62-14 victory and keeps their chances of reaching the Quarter Finals alive.
An appearance for Saracens in the Final Eight is dependent on results from remaining matches to be played today. The team had a disappointing campaign this season which saw two losses against Clermont and one defeat and a draw against the Ospreys.
Against this back-drop the two-time reigning European Champions Cup winners demolished Northampton both times in pool play. Yesterday’s win compounded what has been an appalling season for the Saints. Changes have already been made in the coaching ranks.
Bosch was joined by fellow Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015 Puma Juan Figallo on Saturday. Also involved was former USA captain Chris Wyles.
The now 34-year-old Bosch has been a notable absentee from Los Pumas since 2015. The policy of not selecting players based in Europe for Argentina has denied them of some of their leading talent.
With 39 caps, Bosch would have passed 50 by now had he continued to be eligible. Matías Orlando and Matías Moroni have instead been used in the position. Neither player has been able to command the same presence in the 13 shirt as had Bosch previously.
With 2018 marshaling in a new regime at Los Jaguares there is the possibility of additional players receiving opportunities at 13 for the national Super Rugby franchise. Santiago Álvarez is a strong possibility to play. This is based not only on his abilities but also due to Moroni being out of action for half of the season.
The upcoming announcement that fullback Joaquín Tuculet will captain Los Jaguares adds to the outside center situation. 2016-2017 winger Emiliano Boffelli is unlikely to now feature often, or at all, at fullback. His u20 position was outside center and it is where his Pumas future may well be.
