1
'It's called a test match for a reason': Aaron Smith fires warning shot at Argentina ahead of Rugby Championship opener
By Online Editors
They may have surprised the southern hemisphere to finish runners-up in this year's Super Rugby, but the Jaguares' success won't count for much in this weekend's clash between the All Blacks and Argentina in Buenos Aires, according to star Kiwi halfback Aaron Smith.
The South American franchise stunned rugby fans worldwide as they topped the South African conference and beat three of the four New Zealand franchises to finish the regular season in second place, ensuring them a home quarter-final and semi-final for the first time in their brief history.
Their dream run to the final fell short at the final hurdle, though, as the all-conquering Crusaders came away with a 19-3 victory to secure a hat-trick of titles in front of their home fans at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Nevertheless, the Argentine club's efforts were lauded as their final appearance exemplified their rapid progress since joining Super Rugby as an expansion side in 2016.
As an increase in positive results flowed their way, confidence and momentum within Argentine rugby has continued to grow, and with the vast majority of the Pumas squad made up of Jaguares players, whispers of a potential upset against the All Blacks this weekend continue to grow louder.
However, Smith issued a warning for the Argentinians, saying they will have to raise their game from Super Rugby level if they are to threaten an All Blacks side that is without eight of its champion Crusaders players in their Rugby Championship opener on Saturday (local time).
"Their results in Super Rugby would say they are going to have a really good opportunity," he said.
"But I believe test matches are different.
"They are going to have a different team, as well, a few new players coming in, and we are going to have our strongest team out there as well.
"It's going to be a hard game. It's called a Test match for a reason. So, yeah, take what you will from that."
Smith is one of only a handful of Kiwi players in the Argentine capital who have beaten the Jaguares this year, with Highlanders teammates Liam Coltman and Josh Ioane also taking part in their 32-27 victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium earlier this year, while Crusaders trio George Bridge, Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor all played in the Super Rugby final.
In other news:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Bath Rugby turnover breaks £20m but losses increase
3
Gloucester Rugby accounts reveal £3 million drop in turnover
4
Exeter Chiefs close to revealing new attack and backs coach
5
Latest Comments
I will never forget the harsh lesson I learned about the perils of investment scams. What began as a promising chance to boost my income through cryptocurrency quickly spiraled into a nightmare. I fell victim to a sophisticated scam and lost $78,000 in bitcoins. The days that followed were consumed by regret, anger, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness,I couldn’t believe I had let my guard down and entrusted my hard-earned money to strangers. Then, while browsing online, a pop-up ad caught my attention. It was for Morphohack Cyber Service, a team specializing in recovering lost cryptocurrencies. Initially, I was skeptical, wondering if it was just another scam. Yet, something about their promise of swift recovery resonated with me, and I took a leap of faith by reaching out to them. Their response was immediate, and within 48 hours, they accomplished the unthinkable: they recovered every last bit of my lost bitcoins. I was utterly stunned, relieved, and deeply grateful. Their expertise and efficiency are unmatched, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone who has fallen victim to cryptocurrency scams. They are the real deal,here’s their contact information:
Info@morphohackcyber . com
Morphohack@cyberservices . com
Morphohackcyber . com
Go to commentsIt still reflects poorly on the RFU. Obviously the coaches would get it for bombing a home world cup. They were in a pool of death though and just never recovered from the Welsh loss. They seemed to have Burgess shoehorned into the squad by the RFU too.
I think both coaches got burned but they've used their time brilliantly and had the last laugh.
Go to comments