Super Rugby 2019: Jaguares add 100 more test caps to starting line-up for final

The Jaguares resemble the Pumas even more closely, after making three changes to their starting team for the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Coach Gonzalo Quesada has leaned heavily on experience to topple the two-time defending champions in Christchurch on Saturday, with 11 of his starting team involved in Argentina's most recent test against Scotland last November.

The three new faces have played 101 tests between them, bringing the cap tally in the Jaguares starting line-up to an imposing 617.

Prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, who boasts 50 tests, replaces young loosehead Mayco Vivas, while winger Ramiro Moyano (30 caps) and flanker Marcos Kremer (21 caps) demote Sebastian Cancelliere and Tomas Lezana to the bench.

Matias Moroni switches from the left wing to the right to cater for dangerous speedster Moyano.

The reserves have also been bolstered by the addition of 36-year-old forward Juan Manuel Leguizamon, who has played 85 tests, but has only been fit enough to start four matches for the Jaguares this year.

crusaders v jaguares teams
Photo credit: Newshub.

Outside centre Matias Orlando said his team were hardened from enough big games to be able to handle the pressure of a final.

"We are here because it is what we wanted and what we dreame,d and we do not want to miss this opportunity," he said through a translator.

"I do not know if we or they are better, but on Saturday, we play 80 minutes where we will define who is the best.

"All the experience that we add these years make us today very confident and we know that we have the ability to play as an equal to a team that everyone sees as a favourite."

Super Rugby 2019: Jaguares add 100 more test caps to starting line-up for final
Photo credit: Newshub.

The Jaguares have won 11 or their last 12 games in a breakthrough campaign, although they haven't played the top-qualifying Crusaders this season.

AAP 

Join us at 7:30pm Saturday for live updates of the Crusaders v Jaguares Super Rugby final