Dogos XV once again placed among the top four in the regional competition and that is the first positive fact in the journey of the Córdoba franchise in the Super Rugby Americas 2024. In this way, the cast that was the “surprise” of the 2023 edition reaffirmed its status as favorites and this Friday will go in search of repeating be a finalist. Last year he played the final in Montevideo, against Peñarol.
In Villa Warcalde, at the Tala RC headquarters, Those led by Nicolás Galatro will receive Yacare XV, a match that will be played from 9:30 p.m. and can be followed through ESPN and Star+. Previously, from 7:15 p.m., it will be the turn of the other semifinal, which will feature Pampas and the current champion of the tournament, Peñarol.
As happened in the 2023 edition, Dogos XV finished the regular phase in second place in the table. Last year one went to Peñarol; this, for the other Argentine franchise: Pampas. Unlike last year, in which the high performance of the Córdoba franchise was surprising, in this edition the ups and downs were a constant.
From the numerical point of view, the team based in Córdoba fulfilled the primary objective of qualifying for the defining instance, but from the game, after what was shown in the regular phase, there are some points that raise an alarm signal in the face of an eventual final . Of course, first we will have to overcome a very difficult obstacle, such as the Paraguayan franchise.
What are the strengths that Dogos XV has for this semi-final?
He scrum It was always one of the high points of the team led by Nicolás Galatro. The forwards They had great consistency and there was not a game in which they had it easy. If something characterizes this tournament, it is the physical contest that all the teams give.
This fixed formation had already brought profit in the last edition, but this year was one of evolution in this aspect. Furthermore, Santiago Pulella’s injury in the first part of the tournament forced the positions to be rearranged so that Boris Wenger began to play as a prop and Tomás Bartolini entered as hooker. The Villamariense was always one of the most consistent on the team; The man from Mendoza, with his performance, consolidated himself in the first line of the Córdoba franchise.
He line and the maul They also had their highlights, but not with the regularity of the scrum. Among the strengths, although it has nothing to do with an aspect of the game, self-criticism is one of the highlights of this group. Even in games that were won. Excellence and the group were always sought, both players and staffwent for more, without keeping “the cassette” of the game won or the points obtained.
In terms of individuality, Dogos XV has unbalanced players, especially among its backs. Leonardo Gea Salim from Salta and Mateo Soler from Cordoba are two who are always on the lookout to cross the line of the ingoal. Also those who contribute from contact, such as captain Franco Molina, Lautaro Simes or Pumita Efraín Elías.
What are the weakest aspects of Dogos XV
Among the most vulnerable points of the Córdoba franchise is ball handling and lack of precision on offense. Dogos XV generates opportunities in attack, but does not have the necessary efficiency to finish. You should not abuse the kick and you have to create the spaces or have the patience and calmness necessary to generate breaks in the opposing field or build the game of phases to generate it.
The team needs temperance to get out of the potholes it is going through and put aside the urge to close a result; Maintain discipline and not commit infractions. Focus on his explosive game, which was the one that always gave him the best results.
Playing, that is the key for Dogos XV to keep the ticket to the final. Maintain the regularity that the forwardshandle the ball well, create spaces for the backs unbalance as you know how to do. Following the proposed plan will lead the Córdoba franchise to make a profit and, why not, to get into its second final in as many seasons played.
