JAGUARES REACH FIRST SUPER RUGBY FINAL
Jaguares 39 - 7 Brumbies
Crusaders 30 - 26 Hurricanes
The Jaguares ran in 5 tries against the Brumbies to book their first ever Super Rugby Final appearance; a 39-7 semi-final triumph over a disappointing Brumbies outfit in Buenos Aires.
Dominating the early part of the match, the Jaguares opened up a healthy 20-0 lead through Tomas Cubelli and Tomas Lavanini tries, with Joaquin Diaz Bonilla adding a further 10 points off the tee.
A Folau Fainga’a try just before half-time was not enough to inspire the Brumbies in the second half as the Jaguares added three further tries through Matias Orlando’s double and Emiliano Boffelli’s late try.
Elsewhere, the Crusaders edged a thriller in Christchurch against the Hurricanes and will aim for a third straight Super Rugby title.
The two sides shared 7 tries, with the Hurricanes out scoring their New Zealand counterparts 4 tries to 3.
It was the superb goal kicking of Richie Mo’unga that proved the difference as he contributed 20 points courtesy of three penalties, three conversions and a try, while Sevu Reece crossed for a brace.
For the 'Canes, Ngani Laumape try double was able assisted by single scores from Ben Lam and TJ Perenara, with three conversions from Beauden Barrett.
The thrilling semi-final ebbed back and forth as the lead switched hands, but it was the home side who held on for victory as Mo’unga landed his third penalty late in the game to book their spot in yet another Super Rugby final.