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'It's called a test match for a reason': Aaron Smith fires warning shot at Argentina ahead of Rugby Championship opener
They may have surprised the southern hemisphere to finish runners-up in this year’s Super Rugby, but the Jaguares’ success won’t count for much in this weekend’s clash between the All Blacks and Argentina in Buenos Aires, according to star Kiwi halfback Aaron Smith.
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The South American franchise stunned rugby fans worldwide as they topped the South African conference and beat three of the four New Zealand franchises to finish the regular season in second place, ensuring them a home quarter-final and semi-final for the first time in their brief history.
Their dream run to the final fell short at the final hurdle, though, as the all-conquering Crusaders came away with a 19-3 victory to secure a hat-trick of titles in front of their home fans at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Nevertheless, the Argentine club’s efforts were lauded as their final appearance exemplified their rapid progress since joining Super Rugby as an expansion side in 2016.
As an increase in positive results flowed their way, confidence and momentum within Argentine rugby has continued to grow, and with the vast majority of the Pumas squad made up of Jaguares players, whispers of a potential upset against the All Blacks this weekend continue to grow louder.
However, Smith issued a warning for the Argentinians, saying they will have to raise their game from Super Rugby level if they are to threaten an All Blacks side that is without eight of its champion Crusaders players in their Rugby Championship opener on Saturday (local time).
“Their results in Super Rugby would say they are going to have a really good opportunity,” he said.
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“But I believe test matches are different.
“They are going to have a different team, as well, a few new players coming in, and we are going to have our strongest team out there as well.
“It’s going to be a hard game. It’s called a Test match for a reason. So, yeah, take what you will from that.”
Smith is one of only a handful of Kiwi players in the Argentine capital who have beaten the Jaguares this year, with Highlanders teammates Liam Coltman and Josh Ioane also taking part in their 32-27 victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium earlier this year, while Crusaders trio George Bridge, Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor all played in the Super Rugby final.
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Comments on RugbyPass
This team does not beat the ABs sadly
11 Go to commentsCompletely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
3 Go to comments1.97m and 105Kg? Proportionately, probably skinnier than me at 1.82 and 82kilos. He won’t survive against the big guys at that weight.
55 Go to commentsThe value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
11 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
54 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
11 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
54 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
54 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
55 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
54 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
54 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
54 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
54 Go to comments