The Jaguares claimed an impressive 40-27 victory against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday, writes MARIETTE ADAMS.
On the back of a defeat at home to the Kings, the Jaguares certainty weren’t favourites coming into this clash. But the hosts made life difficult for themselves, specifically in the opening 30 minutes when they conceded three unanswered tries.
Despite leading handsomely, the Test-laden Jaguares side failed to stay composed as they allowed the Waratahs back into the contest through ill-discipline and inexcusable defence.
Overall, the contest lacked intensity and excitement, partly because both teams had nothing to play for and partly because the error rate was much higher than the conversion rate inside the danger zone.
The Waratahs’ poor defensive organisation has cost them dearly this season and their passive tackling techniques were on display again, with the Jaguares exploiting this perfectly. The visitors raced out to an 18-3 lead, thanks to tries by Pablo Matera, Matías Orlando and two penalties by Nicolás Sánchez.
Stunned by the Jaguares’ blistering start, the Waratahs reverted to off-the-ball scuffles, and after one such incident lock Ned Hanigan was yellow-carded for elbowing an opponent in the face. With the man-over advantage, the Jaguares’ lead was extended when young lock Benjamin Macome crashed over.
The ever reliable Israel Folau would narrow the deficit with a converted try after he retained possession from a kick-pass.
Then came the familiar Jaguares ill-discipline. Locks Guido Petti and Macome were sent off within a minute of each other, forcing the visitors to see out the first half with 13 men.
Characteristically, the Waratahs enjoyed much better fortunes in the second half and their cause was aided by the two-man advantage. Flyhalf Bernard Foley did brilliantly to go over for two tries, bringing the score to 25-24.
Deprived of possession during the opening stages, the Jaguares found their range again with a 10-point haul, including a try from captain Agustin Creevy to re-establish the ascendancy.
And while Foley did kick a penalty to get the Waratahs close again, wing Matías Moroni ended the their slim hopes of victory when he chased down his own kick over the defence for the Jaguares’ fifth and final try.
Waratahs – Tries: Israel Folau, Bernard Foley (2). Conversions: Foley (3). Penalties: Foley (2).
Jaguares – Tries: Pablo Matera, Matías Orlando, Benjamin Macome, Agustin Creevy, Matias Moroni. Conversions: Nicolás Sánchez (3). Penalties: Sánchez (3).
Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Bryce Hegarty, 13 Rob Horne, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Cam Clark, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Dean Mumm, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Tom Robertson.
Subs: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Angus Taavao, 19 David McDuling, 20 Ryan McCauley, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 23 Andrew Kellaway.
Jaguares – 15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Matías Moroni, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Jerome de la Fuente, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Benjamin Macome, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Enrique Pieretto, 2 Agustin Creevy (c), 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.
Subs: 16 Julián Montoya, 17 Santiago García Botta, 18 Ramiro Herrera, 19 Ignacio Larrague, 20 Rodrigo Báez, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 23 Santiago Cordero.
Photo: @JaguaresARG/Twitter
