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.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
That’s what we are concerned. The Argie idolatrous tendencies.
jackflash68
Guest
I agree and disagree with nobrain.. I agree in the fact that he's only played a couple of games and it's still to be seen if he is up to Super Rugby level. However, Domingo (he is not a kid) will have to start getting used to being on the spotlight. He is a professional rugby player and like it or not, there will be articles written about him (played well, didn't play well, etc). He is 'not prepared for this type of attention and pressure. This not good for the kid.' Tough. He will have to get used to it, with good support around him (coaches, players, family, etc) he should not let this go up to his head. Some argie media are already writing the 10 jersey is his! (one even said he is Niclas Sanchez' 'heir'! so Yousef is not the only one writing this..
ethan
Guest
Jono Lance couldn't pass on the run at the Reds. It stifled our attack and in my opinion was the biggest thing preventing him from achieving higher honours.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
The number of amateur players in Argentina is huge. I would not be surprised if it is not bigger than Australia's. The issue is the relationship between amateur rugby and professionalism.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
They also commit suicide by jumping from the top of their egos. And the ego is the little Argentinean inside all of us.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Yes , you can a make fortune if you buy them for what they are worth and sell them for what the think they are worth.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
remember that Argies have a well known tendency to have big egos anyway. ???? ????
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Nobes Did you notice that Jaguares play better on tour? You know why? Thanks for this input etc. Was going to defer driving down to Parramatta to experience NSW's first "true" football stadium until Brumbies in June, but your comments have re-piqued my interest in seeing your Jags later this month. My interest only if the Jags "turn up". From what you say, that is likely Cheers :-) KP
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I completely agree with Nobrain on this issue. The adulation and full article is completely premature. He has played two matches. Of course, every player wants to have the dream start of his first match. But he has a lot of things to get better before we anoint him the blessed one at 10. He still pivots a lot while receiving the ball and passes while standing still. I am calling this the Beaudenitis syndrome. Just because BBBBBB does it it does NOT mean it is a good way to start your attack. Miotti is no BBBBB yet. We hope he will get there. Against the Brumbies he had a few wayward kicks plus some uncertainty tackling. He is still quite skinny for this level. And he is not built like DMac who is short but stocky. Miotti is just skinny. He may get pummeled by runners aiming at him. I read he is 6’2″” and 187 lbs. Basically, he is 2 inches taller than me and similar in weight. And I am no Arnold…. As Nobrain said, don’t inflate his ego. Just remember that Argies have a well known tendency to have big egos anyway. No extra pressure on him. We have to be patient.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Yousef For what it's worth, I was quite struck same way. Cheers KP
Nobrain
Roar Guru
He has not emerged yet Youssef. You can write about anybody you want. I have right yo tell you what you should right about. But I have the right to comment on what you write and give my opinion. You will never see me writing on a player that is not from Argentina, but that just me. I have the tendency of trusting the guys that are closer and better understand what is going on in their countries. However I have no right to have people behaving the way I do.
Yousef Teclab
Roar Guru
I can't speak for Miotti in terms of whether he can handle the pressure or not. But the Jaguares seem to trust in him as he's starting at 10 again vs the Stormers on Saturday. You are right when you say there are other stories in Argentine rugby that could be written about but I chose to write about Miotti as I was struck at how he had emerged onto the scene.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Youssef, he only played two games. I mean, Inhave written articles about Matera and Montoya but only after they played two years fir Jaguares. Did you notice that Jaguares play better on tour? You know why? The distractions they have at home. Going from one place to another with sponsors ect.. This the only profesional team and all the attention in on them. Miotti does not have the mental resources to handle fame yet. I can perfectly understand that you want to be the first that let the australian people know about this player, but now the power of the European rugby will want him and his head will be in a different place than it should be. This is my point. If you want to write about argentina players Inthink you have great stories on Facundo Moyano ( for me one of the best finishers in SR or Bofelli) both players have showed that they can play rugby. They are mature and used to the pressure .But Miotti two games, has a long way to go. No need to rush things.
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
Yousef, many thanks for the article. I have loved the inclusion of Argentina in the RC and Super Rugby - it is extraordinary what talent such a small player base produces. Miotti looks a really promising player and I have been impressed by how 'ready' he looks - some young players look a bit flustered, or parts of their game look a bit under-done at this level but Miotti looks to execute his skills with assurance. I really enjoy articles on rugby in SA, NZ, Argentina etc. It would be great to see some more on Argentinian players, clubs, coaches etc.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
We have history here with O’C and KB. Apologies for my blase/selfish 2nd para.
Yousef Teclab
Roar Guru
Nobrain - I understand your points, especially regarding professionalism in Argentine rugby being a new thing, but I just thought an emergence of a player coinciding in a team's uptick in form was worth looking at.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Profesional Rugby is very new in Argentina and players are not prepared for this type of attention and pressure. This not good for the kid.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Yousef, many thanks for article, enjoyed reading Nobes, if this was en emerging player in Oz, I'd concur adamantly. Have to say though, Miotti's arrival on field does appear to have coincided with a lift by Haguars (my phonetics) out of below expectation form (albeit consistent with prior disappointing years). Do what extent are the team a proxy for the national side? Assumed 90%, but maybe much less? I had really expected them to be a sleeper for World Cup, based on "Super Cohesion". Cheers KP PS - on a light note, I guess internal stuff in Arg precluded it, but if we are continuing Super Rugby, I definitely have a personal wish-list against "National" branded teams. Would have loved the Buenos Aires Flamencoes. Can you see it now, kiwi teams infuriated, while having to observe the BA team (led by BA equivalent of TJ Perenara) doing a closeup 23 man 'spanish haka', finishing not with a TJ silent stare, but crowd amplified "Ole!".
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Oh come on!!!! Give the guy a chance before writing a full article about him. You have not discovered nothing that we all already knew. Miotti has to yet deliver much more before he is on the spotlight. I know you have good intentions but you are hurting the kid.