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Jaguares appoint new head coach
By Peter Thompson
Mario Ledesma will leave his role as Australia scrum coach to take charge of Jaguares after the final Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand.
Ledesma was recruited by Michael Cheika two years ago and signed a contract until after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Australia will now have a void to fill after the former Argentina hooker took up the opportunity to return to his homeland to succeed Raul Perez at Buenos Aires-based Super Rugby franchise Jaguares.
Wallabies head coach Cheika said: "Argentina gave us a gift when they gave us Mario Ledesma.
"In 2014 when we went on the tour, when I first took over, we got our scrum pummelled by the English in one game and if you're a good person when you get a gift, you should always give one back.
"Now we're giving a gift back because Mario Ledesma is a good man, he's a great coach and as much as I'm sad that he's leaving, personally as his friend and from a rugby point of view [it's good].
"Not only is he improving himself by having this position, which is what we want our people to do, but also he's coming back to his family who he hasn't seen for many, many years.
"It's going to be a great thing for Argentinian rugby and hopefully the Jaguares will do very well except when they play against the Australian teams."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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