Despite his Crusaders allegiances, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has his own reasons for hoping the Jaguares can topple the defending champions in tomorrow's Super Rugby final.
That upset result may benefit the All Blacks in two weeks.
The Jaguares starting line‑up to face the Crusaders has 11 players who played in Argentina's last rugby test against Scotland, with an imposing 617 test caps spread across the team.
If they were to defy the odds, they'd claim their first Super Rugby title in only their fourth season and hand the Crusaders a historic first playoff defeat in Christchurch.
The All Blacks face Argentina in their opening match of the Rugby Championship in Buenos Aires on July 21.
Newshub reports Hansen won't field his Crusaders players for that fixture, giving them a chance to catch their breath, before embarking on the international campaign.
Hansen hopes that if the Jaguares win, they will celebrate in style, leaving them slightly dusty for the test in two weeks.
Hansen's comments were understandable from an All Blacks perceptive, but surprising, considering he was the Crusaders assistant coach from 1999‑2001 and his Canterbury affiliation as a player and coach.
The Crusaders will host the Jaguares in the Super Rugby final at 7.35pm tomorrow.
[Source:Newshub]
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