Jaguares rest their big guns for Highlanders showdown
TEAM NAMING: While many have been vocal in their frustrations with New Zealand sides rarely fielding full-strength teams in 2019, it's the Jaguares who appear to be giving some of their key internationals breaks as the World Cup draws nearer.
The Jaguares, who are currently third in the South African conference (only one point adrift of the Bulls and Sharks) and fifth overall, have opted to save some of their strongest players for bench duty for their important Saturday night fixture.
Inspirational leader Agustin Creevy is joined on the pine by fellow internationals Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Tomas Cubelli and Matias Orlando. Young first-five Domino Miotti has also been given a spell after starting the last three matches at 10. All five players started in the Jaguares' win over the Stormers in last week's match in Buenos Aires.
With the South African conference balanced on a knife edge, now seems like a dangerous time for coach Gonzalo Quesada to be resting his top contingent. The Highlanders will be hurting after giving up a big lead and stumbling over the finish line in a draw against the Chiefs last weekend. Their results have not been as impressive as the Argentinians but they still find themselves in with a shot of making the finals so have everything to play for.
Adding to the intrigue of the match is the fact that the Jaguares have never beaten the Highlanders. Although they were only introduced to Super Rugby in 2016, the Jaguares have managed to earn wins against every current team except for the Highlanders, the Hurricanes (who they play next week) and the Crusaders.
Jaguares: Emiliano Boffelli, Sebastian Cancelliere, Matias Moroni, Jeronimo de la Fuente (c), Ramiro Moyano, Joaquin Díaz Bonilla, Felipe Ezcurra, Javier Ortega Desio, Tomas Lezana, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Lucas Paulos, Marcos Kremer, Enrique Pieretto, Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas. Reserves: Agustin Creevy, Juan Pablo Zeiss, Santiago Medrano, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Matias Orlando.
Latest Comments
Well to be honest, my main point was just that beating a crap England team was a false dawn. There were a lot of Aussies on here getting excited after that match. Considering where Eddie left Australia they have made progress
Go to commentsI agree with that, every dude with more than 50 caps got a free ride this year no matter how bad their form was.
But using Will Jordan as a second play making full back when that isn’t his game? That’s on razor.
Bash in crash backs to set up quick rucks over the gainline when it clearly doesn’t work? Razor.
Forwards not Vern Cotter-ing it when we get in the 22?
Razors fault again.
Tired fatigued players with one foot on the plane home scraping past Italy?
That’s all Razor.
I’ve full faith in the man and he’s building the team going forward but come on.
How long are we going to keep blaming All Black failings on Ian Foster.