ARGENTINA JAGUARS WIN INAUGURAL ARC CHAMPIONSHIP

By Meghan Mutrie

Jose Romelo Lagman

Playing the Argentina Jaguars at full strength is a task, but two cards in the

second half and relentless Jaguar defense spelled the end for the BC Bears in the ARC Championship final as the succumbed to Argentina 35 – 11.

The Jaguars would touch down first but the converted try was immediately countered by a Nate Hirayama penalty; the quick exchange of points was indicative of the run of play in the first half.

Instead of working around the Jaguars’ known strengths, the Bears bravely opted to meet them head on in the forwards and by kicking, and it seemed to work for the first 40 as the two teams traded territory and possession.

BC’s head coach Mike James did not intentionally plan on playing to the Jaguars’ strengths, but he says it is hard to avoid when the opposition is so skilled.

“Argentina met our expectations in their style of play. We knew they were going to be tough in the scrums and have organized defense. We actually kicked less than last week, but our choices in where to kick were better, but the Jaguars are so good they force you to take them on in their strong points.”

Wisely finding Sean White’s hands with a well-weighted cross-field kick, Hirayama eventually crossed for the try on the next phase. A second Hirayama penalty would give the Bears an 11 – 7 lead but was erased right before half by a soft Jaguars try.

For the second match in a row, fly-half Nate Hirayama scored all of BC’s points, and they only trailed by a deluding three points at half.

The Bears were impressive around the point of contact, led by the scrappy play of flanker Ben Johnson, but obstinate defense by the Jaguars created their chances all game, often translating into points.

The second half was played almost entirely behind the Bears’ 40m line, as the combination of BC penalties and good Argentine line speed eventually materialized into another three Jaguar tries.

The Bears’ defensive line held for the first 20 minutes of the second half, but a red card given to Adam Van Staveren by referee Dave Smortchevsky widened the cracks, as defending the Jaguars a man short proved too much for BC. A yellow card to Brian Erichsen in the last few minutes for a repeated infraction at the breakdown was an afterthought to the scoreline.

James was pleased with the Bears efforts throughout the match and the entire ARC competition.

“The boys kept a great combative spirit through the entire match today. We went 4 – 1 and our only lost came to a better team. The ARC tournament is so promising for rugby in North America.

“For us Argentina is a model of excellence. Whenever we play a side from Argentina it is a good reality check for rugby in Canada and a great example of where we need to and can get to as a country.”

Mark Egan, the Head of Development and Performance for the IRB, was on hand for both ARC final matches and said he was very encouraged by the growth he has seen in the Americas.

“I thought it was a fantastic event and definitely a level above NA4 competition that has been held in the past. I was impressed with the Canadian provinces, particularly the players’ fitness. Obviously the Jaguars were worthy winners today. Hopefully this can be a tournament we build on in the future.”

The Argentina Jaguars take home the inaugural ARC Championship trophy.
Earlier in the day, the Ontario Blues beat the USA Select XV to claim the consolation prize. The IRB plans to expand the ARC tournament to include other Americas nations, including Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

The Argentina Jaguars will play against a Canada Select side on Wednesday in Chatham.

FT: Argentina Jaguars 35 – 11 BC Bears
HT: Argentina Jaguars 14 – 11 BC Bears

BC Scoring
Tries: Nate Hirayama
Pens: Nate Hirayama

Argentina Scoring
Tries: Joaquin Tuculet, Benjamin Macome, Agustin Creevy, Martin Bustos Moyano, Esteban Bustillo
Cons: Benjamin Urdapilleta (5)

BC Bears ARC Championship Roster vs. Argentina Jaguars
1. Rhodri Hanmer        Meraloma RFC
2. Pat Riordan            University of Victoria
3. Francis Yoon        James Bay Athletic Association
4. Brian Erichsen        Meraloma RFC
5. Mike Burak            UBCOB Ravens
6. Ben Johnson            James Bay Athletic Association
7. Neil Meechan        University of Victoria
8. Adam Van Staveren        Bayside Sharks RFC
9. Ed Fairhurst            Castaway Wanderers
10. Nate Hirayama        University of Victoria
11. Sean White        James Bay Athletic Association
12. Taylor Dalziel        UBC
13. Sam Jenkins        Meraloma RFC
14. Sean Duke            University of Victoria
15. Harry Jones        UBC
16. Ryan Hamilton        University of Victoria
17. Peter Houlihan        Vancouver Rowing Club
18. Luke Cudmore        Capilano
19. Jason Marshall        Capilano
20. Colin McKenzie        BLRC
21. Charlie Jones        Capilano
22. Shawn Mercier        Meraloma RFC

Canada’s head coach Kieran Crowley has kept a watchful eye on the ARC competition and will name an ‘A’ side Oct. 21to face the Argentina Jaguars in a mid-week match in Chatham. A number of the Bears have made a case to exchange their Blue and Gold jersey for a Black and Red one.