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Jaguares' early dominance too much for Tahs

Israel Folua has to choose between rugby and league - what if he didn't have to? (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Roar Guru
10th March, 2018
140

In a high scoring contest, the Jaguares have earned a vital 10-point victory over the Waratahs – a win set up by a blistering opening 20 minutes from the hosts.

The Waratahs in turn though denied the Jaguares a bonus point and that will annoy the Argentine club.

Stung by criticism from former Argentine great Hugo Porta that they were a team with no soul, the Jaguares recorded their first win in four matches, ending their worst start since joining the competition in 2016.

It means the Waratahs, with one, last-gasp, win over the Stormers, a draw against the Sharks and now a loss, are already nine points adrift of Australian conference leaders the Rebels, who they meet in Sydney next Sunday afternoon.

The Jaguares were in scintillating attacking form from the start and winger Emiliano Boffelli had two tries on the board inside 11 minutes, the first from the kickoff, as they carved out a 33-7 halftime lead.

Fullback Joaquin Tuculet cut through the Waratahs’ defence for their third after 16 minutes and flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez touched down again four minutes later to round off a fine team attack.

The Australians finally pierced the home defence after 35 minutes when number eight Jed Holloway picked up from a ruck and scored under the posts.

The Waratahs looked to reduce the deficit before the interval but wing Bautista Delguy intercepted flyhalf Bernard Foley’s pass and raced away for the Jaguares’ fifth try, with Sanchez kicking his fourth conversion.

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The Waratahs emerged from the break intent on taking the game to the hosts and scored their second try in the 47th minute when Jake Gordon gave Curtis Rona a high pass over the defence and the wing went over with Foley converting.

The Jaguares got their sixth try with Tuculet feeding centre Matias Orlando wide on the left after a series of scrums close to the Waratahs line.

The visitors finished with a flourish with two more tries either side of the hooter from replacement Nick Palmer and fullback Israel Folau, who chased a kick from deep in the Waratahs half and beat Tuculet to touch down.

Foley then took his tally to four conversions.

Overall, the Jaguares are on the board in season 2018 and have three straight home matches to look forward in a bid to build some real momentum.

Despite a strong finish, the Waratahs crumbled in the opening half, conceding five tries in an opening that cost them the match.

Back to the drawing board for the Tahs. The Jaguares have finally notched a win and are on the prowl for more wins at home.

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Jaguares 38
Waratahs 28

With AAP.

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