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April 6, 2019 is a day Domingo Miotti will never forget, as he enjoyed probably the most incredible Super Rugby debut since the competition’s inception.
Coming off the bench with the Jaguares down 20-10 to the Bulls, his two tries in three minutes almost single-handedly clinched a game the Argentine side should never have won.
Miotti’s heroics kick-started a three-game winning run for the Jaguares that keeps them in touch for the play-offs.
For the 22-year-old, that wondrous cameo was the realisation of a career that has been hit with roadblocks.
The fly-half came to prominence in the 2016 World Under-20s Championship in England, where his tactical control and steady kicking helped guide the Pumitas to third place – still their best-ever finish.
It was a team brimming with talent, containing Marcos Kremer, Bautista Delguy and Juan Cruz Mallia.
However, while those aforementioned players made the step up to Super Rugby and Argentina, disaster struck Miotti as he ruptured his cruciate ligament, which kept him out for nine months.
Since coming back from injury, he’s bided his time patiently and was rewarded by making the Jaguares’ pre-season squad in the lead-up to the 2019 season.
(Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Yet every player needs a break – a chance to put themselves in the spotlight and seize the opportunity.
Miotti would do so at Loftus Versfeld Stadium against the Bulls, and has gone from strength to strength. The 22-year-old put in diligent performances in the wins over the Sharks and Brumbies.
He has consolidated his claim as the first-choice No.10 for the Jaguares ahead of Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias and Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, who were both in front of him at the start of the season.
When Miotti speaks, you can see his humility after the trials and tribulations he has faced.
The emergence of Miotti potentially solves a conundrum for the Jaguares in finding a successor to Nicolas Sanchez, now at Stade Francais.
Crucially, it might even solve a long-term conundrum for Argentina.
Sanchez has been the first-choice fly-half since 2012 and deservedly so with his performances.
However, since Juan Martin Hernandez’ move to centre a few years before his retirement, the Pumas have been unable to find a Plan B to Sanchez if injured or ineffective in a match.
Although Miotti has not been capped for Argentina, the Rugby Championship is a perfect opportunity for coach Mario Ledesma to see whether the fly-half copes with the rigours of international rugby.
If he can, then a spot in their World Cup squad beckons.
However, Miotti’s focus at the present will be trying to get the Jaguares into the play-offs and hope the dream continues when facing the Stormers this weekend.
Miotti is another talent Argentinean rugby has unearthed in recent years – 21-year-old Santiago Carreras had a solid full debut against the Brumbies last week while Bautista Delguy scored ten tries in his debut Super Rugby season last year.
The introduction of an Argentine side in the Currie Cup this year could bridge the gap from amateur club rugby in Argentina to the professional competition that is Super Rugby, potentially helping even more players like Miotti.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.