Four years of hard work have gone into the Jaguares’ fairytale journey to their first Super Rugby final, says centre Matias Orlando.
The Argentine side, in only their fourth season in the mostly southern hemisphere competition, bossed Australian Conference champions the Brumbies in a 39-7 win at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on Saturday.
While other expansion teams have struggled for many seasons to make a mark in Super Rugby, the Argentinians have reached the title decider in their second playoff campaign.
Orlando, who like most of his Jaguares teammates is also an experienced Argentine international, says it should by no means be seen as an overnight success.
He explains: “The soul of this team is the special bond we have built.
“We worked harder than they did and we dominated them, we did not let them play, it’s the effort we have been putting in for four years.”
Jaguares:
Tries: Tomas Cubelli, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Orlando (2) and Emiliano Boffelli;
Conversions: Joaquin Diaz Bonilla (4);
Penalties: Bonilla (2).
Brumbies:
Try: Folau Fainga'a;
Conversion: Christian Lealiifano.