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Los Jaguares have been dealt a blow after captain Jerónimo de la Fuente has been ruled out until round 7. The shoulder injury sustained in Saturday’s win over the Bulls sees the captain confirmed out of this coming weekend’s home match against the Blues and also of the following tour to South Africa.
The ruling from the UAR is a recovery period of 3 to 4 weeks. With Los Jaguares departing for South Africa to face the Lions and Stormers on Sunday de la Fuente will not be considered. For round 6 Los Jaguares have a bye making round 7 the time in which the captain can play again. It will be a home match against the Chiefs.
The loss of de la Fuente comes just days after starting scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou was ruled out for the season. Tomás Cubelli took the place of Bertranou against the Bulls and is expected to retain it with Martín Landajo providing support.
de la Fuente’s injury is less clear. When he was sidelined in the 2018 season the then Head Coach Mario Ledesma started Bautista Ezcurra at inside center. Against the Bulls de la Fuente was replaced by Matías Moroni, a specialist outside center.
Both Ezcurra and Moroni are possibilities. Another is utility back Juan Cruz Mallía who made an appearance late in the match from the bench. Also on the roster are Santiago González Iglesias, and rookie Santiago Chocobares.
The captaincy will also need to be resolved. Head Coach Gonzalo Quesada has no shortage of options. Both former captains Agustín Creevy, and Pablo Matera hold down starting positions in the team. Additional players under consideration include Cubelli, Guido Petti, and Joaquín Tuculet.
