Last Word On Rugby, by Scott Hornell.
It would not surprise many, if the Jaguares 2017 Super Rugby Squad made an huge reversal of form. From a less than satisfactory debut season, if this years squad were able to maximize all of their natural resources, the South American side could very well exceed expectations.
The issues that may limit their success though are numerous: geography, sustained motivation and discipline. With the intended new high tackle directive, players must focus on technique and self-discipline. Arrange all those components to their advantage, and the Jaguares have many chances to improve–and for them, the playoffs are not out of the question.
Argentina Riches Held in Jaguares Squad
A focus was made last year, on making a good first impression. On testing the ground, staking out the area [region] for the new Jaguares franchise base and the new conference system. As a part of Super Rugby innovation, this ‘expansion team’ was ideally located in Buenos Aires. And in establishing the side last season, in reality they did struggle in 2016. A four win/11 loss record was nothing to ‘write home about’.
The side was built on the foundations of Los Pumas rugby. The realization of the SANZAAR partnership: South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The franchise creation was brought on by the benefits from The Rugby Championship, where Argentina had been a participant since 2012. Ever improving within that competition, the evolution now spread into Super Rugby.
Having players migrate back from French rugby, to be available to represent the Jaguares was a success. Greg Peters, the former general manager of Unión Argentina de Rugby was instrumental in the formation of the organization. The very first match was a huge occasion and growth in popularity built-up anticipation levels last year. But the key to the Jaguares inception was the inclusion of International team members.
It would never have been as well received, if the Pumas players did not choose to sign up with the Jaguares. The buy-in from the stars of Argentina helped: key names like Agustin Creevy, Nicolas Sanchez, Juan Martín Hernández, Juan Manuel Leguizamón and others; which will continue to help the side to perform to a high standard.
Time to Step Up for the 2017 Season
Fans will have the highest of hopes, but for the Raul Perez coached team the truth lies on the field. It starts on the pitch, and requires the Jaguares 2017 Super Rugby Squad to perform. That is a prerequisite of all professional sport. That must be the bare minimum needed this year too.
Perez (below) has been fortunate in not losing any major stars which will give them a consistency lacking in the opposition. As a member of the Africa Two Conference alongside the Southern Kings, Durban-based Sharks and the Emirates Lions; the Jags are still a cohesive unit. The Lions, who competed in the Grand Final, will naturally be their toughest competition in 2017.
La palabra del Raúl Pérez, sobre la designación del plantel para enfrentar a @SouthernKingsSA y @THESTORMERS https://t.co/EI4bOFMhXr pic.twitter.com/KbRaoxrM3B
— Jaguares (@JaguaresARG) February 17, 2017
After the disappointment of last year, Perez and captain Creevy will be asking for more. Having the captain of Argentina also running the Super Rugby team, brings benefits and limitations. His role will bring continuity, in his relationships and his knowledge of the opposition.
A limitation may be, that they have not had huge success, so they are still ‘trying to achieve’. And in June, Creevy and other Pumas players will be asked to prepare to face the touring English rugby team–so a distraction in Round 14, at least. Then logistically, travel is a very fatiguing factor.
Travel is going to be a demanding component–being in the second season, many will be more familiar with that element so it must become less of a limitation (many suspect) especially beginning the season away from home.
Quality Players to Generate More Success
Argentina have developed a core of established International quality players. And the Jaguares are fortunate to ‘hold most of those cards’. Such a good hand means that the Martín Landajo/Sanchez partnership is a ‘high card’. The combination of Leonardo Senatore (pictured below) with Facundo Isa is going to be hard bet for others to combat. So fans expect them to challenge the Lions and Sharks forwards dominance. With all these positive conditions, the opportunities are looking good.
The backline is always going to be an area where the challenge is toughest. No more so, than in Super Rugby. In both attack and defense, the recognized combinations will prove to be of benefit naturally–something that did not fully translate in 2017. Perez will want more from his quality outside backs: Santiago Cordero, Manuel Montero, Ramiro Moyano and Joaquín Tuculet. With the experiences of last year, and knowledge of the expected conditions, is all going to help.
Jaguares Skillset a Key to GamePlan
While the game breakers of the 2017 team may be stretched between forwards and backs, the interplay of those groups is key. Handling errors from loose forwards in the backline, or centers and wingers not working effectively in the ruck area, will determine game outcomes. Last season many close results may have gone the South American teams way, if the skillset can benefit the gameplan. Crossover skills are a critical component every Super Rugby needs to be proficient at.
In the estimation of their fans, this years Jaguares 2017 Super Rugby squad has all the quality to achieve. Achieve more than on the field, with more high profile results going their way. That may well have commentators looking at the Jaguares as a challenger, come the finals series.
Jaguares 2017 Super Rugby Squad
La palabra de Raúl Peréz tras el anuncio de la lista de @JaguaresARG de cara la gira por Sudáfrica.https://t.co/Xl3NJHWOvq pic.twitter.com/xwVjHnRRVj
— Jaguares (@JaguaresARG) February 17, 2017
Full Squad list –
Forwards: Cristian Bartoloni, Santiago García Botta, Facundo Gigena, Ramiro Herrera, Lucas Noguera Paz, Enrique Pieretto, Roberto Tejerizo, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Facundo Bosch, Agustín Creevy (C), Julián Montoya, Matías Alemanno, Juan Cruz Guillemaín, Marcos Kremer, Ignacio Larrague, Tomás Lavanini, Guido Petti, Rodrigo Báez, Facundo Isa, Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Tomás Lezana, Benjamín Macome, Pablo Matera, Javier Ortega Desio, Santiago Portillo, Leonardo Senatore
Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Felipe Ezcurra, Martín Landajo, Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Martín Hernández, Gabriel Ascárate, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Bautista Ezcurra, Santiago Álvarez, Matías Moroni, Matías Orlando, Santiago Cordero, Manuel Montero, Emiliano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Joaquín Tuculet
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The Jaguares hit the 2017 Super Rugby season running, and will aim for the best start possible in South Africa. The opening two rounds are based in the republic, before the first home match on March 12 when they host the Emirates Lions.
“Main photo credit”
