Jaguares score historic victory over Hurricanes

The Jaguares have recorded their first win over the Hurricanes, holding on for a 28-20 victory to move them on par with the Bulls at the top of the South African conference.

It will be a confidence-building result for the Argentinian team who have now recorded away victories against New Zealand sides the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes in the last two years. The Crusaders and Highlanders remain as the only teams the Jaguares have not tasted victory against.

The Jaguares built a sizeable lead by the break.

Hurricanes flanker Vaea Fifita scored a try in the home team’s first possession of the match after a deft kick from Ngani Laumape, but it was all Jaguares from then.

Agustin Creevy and Jeronomio De La Fuente crossed in the latter stages of the first half and the Argentines were earlier awarded a penalty try when Jordie Barrett was sinbinned for a professional foul to give the visitors a 21-8 halftime lead at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Julian Montoya grabbed a fourth try after the break to ensure a victory that gave the Jaguares 32 points and moved them above the resting Sharks (29).

Ngani Laumape and Kane Leaupepe scored second-half tries for the home side, who remain second in the New Zealand conference on 40 points.

The Hurricanes were outplayed by a Jaguares team that constantly harried them and forced errors in the hosts first home defeat by foreign opposition since 2015.

“It is very big for us as a team,” said Jaguares back-rower Pablo Matera, who was one of their tireless heroes.

“To come here and get a victory in Wellington against the Hurricanes, one of the best teams in the world, is amazing for us.

“We’ve been working very hard since January. All the work we’ve been doing was reflected here tonight.”

– AAP