Jaguares Form Putting Argentina in Good Stead for the World Cup?
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The past two years have seen the Jaguares become a quiet force in Super Rugby and although they haven't picked up any silverware since their inclusion they could definitely be onto something this year and it bode well for Argentina in a World Cup year.
Since the franchise was founded in 2015, the Argentine outfit has really made steady progress and this shift started under the reign of Mario Ledesma, who is now in charge of the national side.
During the former hookers stint as head coach of the Jaguares they finished seventh in the competition after winning nine out of their 17 matches (52.92% win percentage). New coach Gonzalo Quesada seems to be keeping the momentum going this season as the Argentians have currently won six of their opening 10 fixtures, meaning that they are now sitting third in the South African conference.
Así quedó la tabla de la Conferencia Sudafricana tras la 12°fecha del #PersonalSuperRugby #ViviJaguares pic.twitter.com/HmtfS6vpnf
— JaguaresARG (@JaguaresARG) May 5, 2019
The Jaguares, who are currently on a four game winning streak, find themselves just one point off the top spot in their SA table, which currently being shared by the Bulls and Sharks. If Quesada’s men keep their form going they will be on track to qualify for the playoffs for the second year running and this can only mean good things for the franchise and their national team ahead of the World Cup in Japan.
Super Rugby Team Stats:
Tackle Rate: 87% (made 1276 and missed 196)
Line out Success: 89% (won 111 and lost 14)
Rucks Success: 96% (won 729 and lost 30)
Scrum Success: 83% (won 44 and lost 9)
Not only have a Jaguares as a unit impressed but there are also a few players really putting their hands up for a starting position in the national team. Here they are:
Matias Orlando
The center has played 558 minutes of rugby so far this season and has scored six tries until now. The 27-year-old, who has 10 test caps, has tackle success rate of 85% and has beaten 21 defenders this season in Super Rugby.
Tomas Cubelli
The No.9 has played nine of his teams 10 games and has seven try assists to his name. The 29-year-old has scored one try this season but has made over 500 passes and beaten 10 players this season.
Marcos Kremer
The flanker has really been a stalwart for the Jaguares on defense this season and is currently 8th on the tackles made list with 108 in the competition. The 21-year-old is averaging around 12.11 tackles per game and made 130 carries with the ball in hand.
Guido Pettiizaval
The lock has won 47 line-outs (incl. 5 steals) in Super Rugby 2019, the second most of any player and just one shy of competition leader Rory Arnold (48).
