Jaguares Make Further History in New Zealand

Los Jaguares have made further history in New Zealand. In this morning’s Super Rugby clash in Rotorua the Argentine franchise defeated the 2012 and 2013 champions, the Chiefs 23-19.

Following on from wins against the Melbourne Rebels, Brumbies and Blues Los Jaguares now return home to Argentina on a four match winning streak. Their historic tour has seen them climbing the standings to now be genuine contenders for a place in the play-off’s.

Against the Chiefs in Rotorua, Los Jaguares outscored the New Zealanders by two tries to one. The Chiefs’ try came in overtime, yet it was not merely a consolation score as it gave the hosts a losing bonus point.

Before tries were scored in Rotorua both teams had points on the board through goal-kicking. Opening the scoring was All Black Damian McKenzie. He would land a 9th minute penalty, slotting his first of four for the match.

Los Jaguares responded to McKenzie’s opening effort through Emiliano Boffelli. The left winger landed a wide penalty from half way to make it 3-3 at the close of the opening quarter.

In between the penalties Los Jaguares were on top. The Argentine side had the better of play and came close to scoring. Pounding away at the Chiefs line they put together some 16 phases.

In the 24th minute McKenzie restored the Chiefs’ advantage, doing so after Santiago Garcia Botta was penalized at a scrum. The area was one part of the game in which the Chiefs were on top for the duration.

Having missed out on scoring from close range Los Jaguares would not be denied in the 27th minute. A break from captain Joaquín Tuculet saw the fullback running from his own half into the Chiefs’ 22. Quick recycling and smart play from Bofffelli saw Ramiro Moyano splitting the defense to score in the right corner.

Fly half Nicolás Sánchez converted Moyano’s try to put Los Jaguares four points clear. Yet it would be the Chiefs who went into half time leading, doing so on the back of two McKenzie penalties.

The Chiefs 12-10 half time lead would quickly be eroded. Ill discipline from the Chiefs led to Michael Allardice and Liam Messam both receiving yellow cards. Allardice had tackled dangerously while Messam had collapsed an advancing maul.

The loss of Messam meant the Chiefs were down to 13 men. With referee Mike Fraser also awarding Los Jaguares a penalty try the visitors were now 8 points clear and looking well placed to complete the win.

Yet the Chiefs would look to strike back. Fullback Charlie Ngatai crossed in the 63rd minute only for the try to not be given due to a knock-on from hooker Liam Polwart.

A calm response from Los Jaguares led to Sánchez adding a penalty. His 71st minute goal would seal the result. With time up replacement Jesse Parete went over to give the Chiefs a try and a losing bonus point.

Los Jaguares now prepare for the long fly home to Buenos Aires. They do so with the luxury of having a Bye next weekend. They are to now have a brief rest period before preparing to face the Bulls at Vélez Sarsfield on Saturday May 19.

SCORING

CHIEFS
Try: Parete
Conversion: D McKenzie
Penalty: D McKenzie (4)
Yellow Card: Allardice, Messam

JAGUARES
Try: Moyano, Penalty Try
Conversion: Sánchez, Penalty Try
Penalty: Bofelli, Sánchez (2)

CHIEFS
15 Charlie Ngatai (capt.), 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Pita Sowakula, 7 Liam Messam, 6 Lachlan Boshier or Luke Jacobson, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe

Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Pita Gus Sowakula, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Levi Aumua

JAGUARES
15 Joaquín Tuculet (capt.), 14 Ramiro Moyano, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Javier Ortega Desio, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Tomás Lezana, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Julián Montoya, 1 Santiago García Botta

Replacements: 16 Agustín Creevy, Javier Díaz, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matías Alemanno, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Martín Landajo, 22 Santiago González Iglesias, 23 Juan Cruz Mallía