Jaguares impress NZ coach

RUGBY UNION: Steve Hansen has issued a warning to not just the Crusaders, but his own All Blacks, about the ominously strong state of Argentine rugby.

Veteran New Zealand Test coach Hansen said he couldn’t help but be impressed by the Jaguares’ giant strides in the past year.

While the Crusaders start favourites in today’s Super Rugby final because of home advantage and their enviable pedigree, Hansen believes the visitors are a real threat.

The Argentina Rugby Union has succeeded in getting the Jaguares to work closely with the Pumas’ program in a World Cup year, luring additional Test candidates to the Super Rugby team. No fewer than 37 of the 46-strong World Cup squad named by Argentina coach

Mario Ledesma are aligned with this year’s Jaguares.

A handful of big-name stars are based in Europe but have represented the Jaguares, meaning they should slot easily into the national team’s methods when they gather in Buenos Aires next week.

Hansen says it all points to a major challenge to open the All Blacks’ Test season at Velez Sarsfield on July 21, pointing at the flair on show when the Jaguares beat the Brumbies

39-7 in last week’s semi-final.

“They have always had big bruising forwards, but their backs have scored some sensational tries,” he said.

“They really opened the Brumbies up and every opportunity they had off turnover ball they punished. They’re playing with a lot of confidence and together as a team rather than as a group of individuals.”

Hansen noted the Jaguares and Pumas had let the scrummaging element of their game decline slightly in recent years to improve other aspects.

“The biggest weapon they’ve gained is confidence. They’ve got a belief,” he said.

“They’re worthy finalists. They’re going down there believing 100 per cent they can beat the Crusaders.”

— Daniel Gilhooly

Crusaders v Jaguares, 5.35pm