'It's called a test match for a reason': Aaron Smith fires warning shot at Argentina ahead of Rugby Championship opener
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:
Latest Comments
Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to comments