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Hindú and Newman won their respective Nacional de Clubes Semi Finals.Both were hard fought with Hindú winning 23-30 over San Luis and Newman downing Pucará 30-27.
Involved in both Semi Finals were former Pumas. This in itself is a hallmark of URBA rugby and why professionalism in Argentina remains opposed from them. They are protecting a century of existence.
Getting the win for Hindú was Santiago Fernández. Formerly of Montpellier, Bayonne and Pau the RWC 2011 fly half landed a late penalty to break the 20-20 deadlock and see the Don Torcuato team into another final.
Fernández was joined by former Pumas Belisario Agulla and Hernán Senillosa in the backs. In the forwards was new Puma Nicolás Leiva and Argentina XV captain Lautaro Bavaro. Fellow Argentina XV players Gregorio del Prete and Rodrigo Bruni started for San Luis.
The final will be part of a special double header. Professionalism and amateurism will collide at Vélez Sarsfield stadium when Hindú meet Newman on the same day as Los Jaguares’ home match against the Stormers.
Newman had been well behind Pucará before mounting a come back to steak in a narrow victory. Pucará’s 17 point lead seemingly had them set for the final. Involved for the eliminated club were Manuel Montero and Lucas González Amorosino.
Montero has been named by Felipe Contepomi to travel to Uruguay for the upcoming Nations Cup. He scored in the Semi Final, getting a nice kick from González Amorosino who plays his club rugby at fly half despite having been a test winger and fullback.
