Jaguares Outclassed at Home by Hurricanes

Los Jaguares were outclassed at home by the Hurricanes, losing 34-9 this evening. The result sees the Argentine franchise yet to win this season and now having an 0-3 record. They were outscored today five five tries to zero.

Playing at the Estadio Vélez Sarsfield, the match was the first at home for Los Jaguares this year. Coming off two matches in South Africa it was the ideal chance to turn around a poor start to the season.

Yet as was the case against both the Stormers and the Lions, Los Jaguares did not do themselves any favors in the early-goings.

The Hurricanes started strongly, closing-in on an opening score just minutes into the match. While initial attacks were closed out the Hurricanes nonetheless did score before the game was ten minutes old. Crossing first was Ben Lam, doing so in support following a break from Gareth Evans.

While the early try was of concern it was not the only issue facing Los Jaguares. The Argentine side was also beaten at the breakdown as the Hurricanes were enjoying the majority of possession and the New Zealanders were also on top at the set-piece.

The above factors combined with errors from Los Jaguares saw the Hurricanes scoring try number two. All Black Ngani Lamaupe demonstrated his ferocity in running hard and straight to score. Again, brittle defense was exposed.

The score came after Nicolás Sánchez had landed a penalty to open Los Jaguares’ scoring. Sánchez would add a second penalty thereafter. It would see Los Jaguares in touch, trailing 12-6 at half time.

While the Hurricanes scored some brilliant tries they did not produce a complete performance. The team made errors and also had a low return from kicks at goal from Beauden Barrett. Yet with Los Jaguares’ only able to score though penalties the result of the match was never in question.

The first of the Hurricanes three second half tries went to Matt Proctor. The outside center was gifted a score from winger Julian Savea.

Smart work from Beauden Barrett saw Vince Aso scoring try number four. A great kick from the All Black gained the Hurricanes the bonus point.

The Hurricanes would not given in. With time running out they found their way over the tryline yet again. Scoring this time was replacement Blade Thompson. His score rounded off what was not the best from the Hurricanes and what certainly was not good enough from Los Jaguares.

The Hurricanes now fly home to prepare for the Crusaders next weekend. Los Jaguares remain in Buenos Aires awaiting the arrival of the Waratahs. With the Australian side having drawn today in South Africa a much improved effort form Mario Ledesma’s side is needed to avoid a loss next weekend.

SCORING

JAGUARES  – 9
Penalty: Sánchez (3)

HURRICANES – 34
Try: Lam, Laumape, Proctor, Aso, Thompson
Conversion: B Barrett (3)
Penalty: Garden-Bachop
Yellow Card: May

JAGUARES
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Bautista Ezcurra, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Tomás Lezana, 7 Javier Ortega Desio, 6 Pablo Matera (capt.), 5 Marcos Kremer, 4 Matías Alemanno, 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Agustín Creevy, 1 Felipe Arregui

Replacements: 16 Javier Díaz, 17 Julián Montoya, 18 Juan Pablo Zeiss, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 21 Martín Landajo, 22 Juan Martín Hernández, 23 Sebastián Cancelliere

HURRICANES
5 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields (capt.), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Ben May, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Chris Eves

Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Fraser Armstrong, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Michael Fatialofa, 20 Blade Thomson, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Vince Aso