What the Ruck? 2019 Super Rugby Preview

The 2019 Super Rugby season is set to have an extra level of significance this season, with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon in Japan. The Crusaders are short-priced favourites to claim a hat-trick of titles, off the back of another stunning season in 2018.

There’s plenty of optimism coming out of the Australian Conference with the Waratahs, Rebels and Brumbies all making a strong case for inclusion in the 2019 Super Rugby Finals series.

It’s time to take a look at the teams in all three conferences contesting the 2019 Super Rugby season.

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Australian Conference

The Australian sides have been making the right noises in 2019 and there’s plenty of optimism that the Aussies can turn around their woeful record against sides from across the Tasman. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen an Aussie side lift the Super Rugby trophy. The Waratahs and Brumbies boast the finals experience and all eyes will be on the Rebels who will be aiming for a maiden Super Rugby Finals appearance. It will be another tough season for the Sunwolves and the Reds who finished at the wrong end of the Super Rugby ladder in 2018.

Waratahs

Coach: Darryl Gibson
Captain: Michael Hooper

New Blood: Rory O’Connor, Le Roux Roets, John Folau, Karmichael Hunt

They’ll Miss: Taqele Naiyaravoro
The bulldozing winger was third highest tryscorer in 2018, crossing for 16 tries, a new record for the Waratahs. With Naiyaravoro now bullying defenders in the Northern Hemisphere, the Waratahs will be relying on Wallaby Israel Folau to be the difference.

Squad
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Alex Newsome, Andrew Tuala, Angus Bell, Ben Donaldson, Bernard Foley, BJ Edwards, Cameron Clark, Chris Talakai, Cody Walker, Curtis Rona, Damien Fitzpatrick, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Israel Folau, Jack Dempsey, Jake Gordon, James Ramm, Jed Holloway, Jeremy Williams, John Folau, JP Sauni, Karmichael Hunt, Kurtley Beale, Lachlan Swinton, Lalakai Foketi, Le Roux Roets, Mack Mason, Michael Hooper, Michael Wells, Mitch Short, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Patrick Tafa, Rob Simmons, Rory O’Connor, Rory Suttor, Ryan McCauley, Sekope Kepu, Shambeckler Vui, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson, Tom Staniforth, Will Harris, Will Harrison, Will Miller

Crystal Ball
While the Waratahs impressed with some attacking running rugby in 2018, it’s difficult to see them imposing themselves on sides outside of the Australian Conference in 2019. The Waratahs were a mess defensively last season and were the main beneficiaries of weak opposition in the Australian Conference. The Sydneysiders will do enough to finish second in the Australian Conference but will struggle to go beyond the first week of the Super Rugby Finals.

2019 Prediction: 2nd in Australian Conference


Rebels

Coach: David Wessels
Captain: Adam Coleman

New Blood: Mees Erasmus, Hugh Roach, Luke Jones, Brad Wilkin, Isi Naisarani, Quade Cooper, Matt To’omua, Campbell Magnay

They’ll Miss: Sefa Naivalu
The Fijian born flyer has opted for a fresh start at the Reds after a difficult 2018 season for the Rebels and Wallabies.

Squad
Adam Coleman (c), Anaru Rangi, Angus Cottrell, Ben Daley, Billy Meakes, Brad Wilkin, Campbell Magnay, Dane Haylett-Petty, Fereti Saaga, Harrison Goddard, Hugh Roach, Isi Naisarani, Jack Maddocks, Jermaine Ainsley, Jordan Uelese, Luke Jones, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Matt To’omua, Mees Erasmus, Michael Ruru, Pone Faamausili, Quade Cooper, Reece Hodge, Richard Hardwick, Rob Leota, Ross Haylett-Petty, Sam Jeffries, Sam Talakai, Semisi Tupou, Sione Tuipulotu, Tetera Faulkner, Tom English, Will Genia

Crystal Ball
The Rebels have hedged their 2019 finals future on the shoulders of Quade Cooper. Rebels coach David Wessels will be praying to the rugby gods that Cooper can rediscover the form that saw him lead the Reds to the 2011 title. His combination with halfback Will Genia will make or break the Rebel’s season. With a backline filled with international stars, there’s plenty of optimism that the Rebels could be playing finals football for the first time.

2019 Prediction: 1st in the Australian Conference


Brumbies

Coach: Dan McKellar
Captain: Christian Lealiifano

New Blood: Vunipola Fifita, Tom Ross, James Slipper, Murray Douglas, Pete Samu, Bayley Kuenzle, Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, Irae Simone, Tom Wright, Toni Pulu

They’ll Miss: Isi Naisarani
The Wallaby in waiting lit up Super Rugby in 2018 and is a massive loss to the Brumbies pack. The mobile backrower is set to renew his partnership with former mentor David Wessels at the Rebels.

Squad
Christian Lealiifano (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Andy Muirhead, Bayley Kuenzel, Ben Hyne, Blake Enever, Chance Peni, Connal McInerney, Darcy Swain, David Pocock, Folau Fainga’a, Henry Speight, Irae Simone, James Slipper, Joe Powell, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Joshua Mann-Rea, Lachlan McCaffrey, Lausii Taliauli, Len Ikitau, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Mack Hansen, Matt Lucas, Murray Douglas, Noah Lolesio, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini, Rory Arnold, Ryan Lonergan, Sam Carter, Scott Sio, Tevita Kuridrani, Tom Banks, Tom Cusack, Tom Ross, Tom Wright, Toni Pulu, Vunipola Fifita, Wharenui Hawera

Crystal Ball
The Brumbies boast an impressive forward pack with former Crusader backrower Pete Samu joining David Pocock. The Brumbies boast some exciting young stars but lack a general at No.10 that put the likes of Tom Banks over the advantage line. A stronger Australian Conference will mean that fall just short of the finals in 2019.

2019 Prediction: 3rd in Australian Conference

Reds

Coach: Brad Thorn
Captain: Samu Kerevi

New Blood: Gavin Luka, Efi Maafu, Fraser Mcreight, Harry Wilson, Matt McGahan, Jock Campbell, Will Eadie, Sefa Naivalu, Bryce Hegarty

They’ll Miss: Izaia Perese
The promising youngster showed glimpses of potential in 2018 but opted to jump codes and join the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Losing a youngster always hurts but Reds coach Brad Thorn has been a shrewd judge of talent.

Squad
Samu Kerevi (c), Harry Hoopert, Gavin Luka, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Taniela Tupou, Efi Maafu, Alex Mafi, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Blyth, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Adam Korczyk, Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Caleb Timu, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Scott Higginbotham, Tate McDermott, Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Matt McGahan, Hamish Stewart, Teti Tela, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Duncan Paia’au, Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Will Eadie, Sefa Naivalu, Jordan Petaia, Aidan Toua, Bryce Hegarty

Crystal Ball
Don’t expect any miracles from the Reds this season with consistency the goal for Brad Thorn’s side. Wallaby winger Sefa Naivalu will provide plenty of attacking spark on the wing but it’s likely to be another long season for a side that hasn’t tasted finals success since 2011.

2019 Prediction: 4th in the Australian Conference


Sunwolves

Coach: Tony Brown
Captain: Yutaka Nagare

New Blood:  Pauliasi Manu, Sam Prattley, Hiroshi Yamashita, Tom Rowe, Mark Abbott, Dan Pryot, Kara Pryor, Hendrik Tui, Jamie Booth, Phil Burleigh, Jamie Henry, Rene Ranger

They’ll Miss: Nika Khatiashvili
The Georgian prop has opted to return to the Northern Hemisphere to take up a lucrative contract with French side Angoulême.

Squad
Yutaka Nagare (c), Keita Inagaki, Asaeli Ai Valu, Jiwon Koo, Craig Millar, Sam Prattley, Pauliasi Manu, Hencs van Wyk, Hiroshi Yamashita, Atsushi Sakate, Jaba Bregvadse, Yusuke Niwai, Shota Horie, Wimpie van der Walt, Kara Pryor, Grant Hattingh, James Moore, Tom Rowe, Kazuki Himeno, Mark Abbott, Ed Quirk, Dan Pryor, Hendrik Tui, Michael Leitch, Rahboni Warren Vosayaco, Pieter Labuschagne, Keisuke Uchida, Jamie Booth, Kaito Shigeno, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare, Hayden Parker, Rikiya Matsuda, Phil Burleigh, Ryoto Nakamura, Michael Little, Rene Ranger, Kenki Fukuouka, Lomano Lava Lemeki, Gerhard van den Heever, Jason Emery, Jamie Henry

Crystal Ball
The Japanese side showed some improvement with three wins in 2018 but consistency at both ends of the pitch will bring the Sunwolves undone. A tough travel schedule will see the Sunwolves share their home games between Tokyo and Singapore again this season as they will be hoping to avoid another wooden spoon.

2019 Prediction: 5th in the Australian Conference

New Zealand Conference 

The "pool of death" is expected to shape the Super Rugby Finals landscape. The Crusaders will be aiming for a three-peat, while the Hurricanes will be desperate to put their name on the title in a World Cup year.

Chiefs 

Coach: Colin Cooper
Captains:  Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick

New Blood: Jack Debreczeni, Tumua Manu

They’ll Miss: Sam Cane
Co-Captain Cane is set to miss the majority of the 2019 Super Rugby season in a major blow to the Chiefs chances. Cane broke his neck playing for the All Blacks against the Springboks in 2018 leaving him little chance of kicking a ball in anger this season.

Squad
Aidan Ross, Alex Nankivell, Angus Ta’avao, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ataata Moeakiola, Atunaisa Moli, Baylin Sullivan, Brad Weber, Brodie Retallick, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Fin Hoeata, Jack Debreczeni, Jonathan Taumateiene, Kane Hames, Lachlan Boshier, Laghlan McWhannell, Liam Polwart, Luke Jacobson, Marty McKenzie, Michael Allardice, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Karpik, Nathan Harris, Nepo Laulala, Pita Gus Sowakula, Reuben O’Neill, Sam Cane, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sean Wainui, Sefo Kautai, Shaun Stevenson, Solomon Alaimalo, Taleni Seu, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tiaan Falcon, Tumua Manu, Tyler Ardron

Crystal Ball 
The Chiefs are a solid team by New Zealand standards, boasting the world’s best forward in Brodie Retallick. Damian McKenzie’s move to No.10 will give the Chiefs plenty of spark but a lack of squad depth means they’ll struggle towards the business end of the season. The Chiefs will have no issues making the finals but will struggle to progress beyond the first week with their fortunes resting on the fitness of Retallick and McKenzie.

2019 Prediction: 4th in the New Zealand Conference.

Crusaders

Coach: Scott Robertson
Captain: Sam Whitelock

New Blood: None

They’ll Miss: Pete Samu
Samu opted out of the most successful Super Rugby franchise to chase international football with the Wallabies. While we like to think the Crusaders will “miss” Samu, it’s fair to say that Samu will miss the Crusaders.

Squad 
Mike Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, Owen Franks, Oliver Jager, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Ben Funnell, Andrew Makalio, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Dunshea, Billy Harmon, Tom Sanders, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Whetu Douglas, Kieran Read, Mitchell Drummond, Ere Enari, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, Mitch Hunt, Richie Mo’unga, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaanuku, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Ngane Punivai, Israel Dagg, David Havili

Crystal Ball
The Crusaders boast an international line-up across the park and have depth to burn. The only thing stopping the Crusaders from retaining the Super Rugby title is the NZRU. A World Cup year means that the All Blacks may opt to rest some of their stars meaning the Crusaders could be missing more than a few players in an enforced rest period this season. The Crusaders remain the benchmark of the competition with the Hurricanes the only likely challenger on the field.

2019 Prediction: 2019 Super Rugby Champions 

Blues

Coach: Leon Macdonald
Captains: Blake Gibson and Patrick Tuipulotu

New Blood: Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ma’a Nonu, Levi Aumua 

They’ll Miss: Jerome Kaino 
The All Black forward ventured to the Northern Hemisphere to test himself in the French competition with Toulouse.

Squad 
Blake Gibson (c), Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Leni Apisai, Alex Hodgman, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Matt Moulds, James Parsons, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Scott Scrafton, Jed Brown, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Nock, Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Ruru, Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Levi Aumua, TJ Faiane, Ma’a Nonu, Tanielu Tele’a, Sonny Bill Williams, Caleb Clarke, Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Melani Nanai, Jordan Trainor

Crystal Ball 
You rarely associate a New Zealand side struggling in rugby but its been some time that the Blues have played finals football. The Blues are tipped to struggle in the toughest conference in Super Rugby. Scott McDonald will be hoping that Manu Nonu can form a lethal partnership Sonny Bill Williams but without an experienced playmaker, the Auckland team will be making up the numbers again in 2019.

2019 Prediction: 5^th in New Zealand Conference

Hurricanes

Coach: John Plumtree
Captain: Dane Coles

New Blood: Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, James Marshall

They’ll Miss: Julian Savea
The hulking All Black winger moved to Toulon at the end of 2018 leaving a massive hole in the Hurricanes backline.

Squad 
Fraser Armstrong, Chris Eves, Alex Fidow, Ben May, Toby Smith, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Geoff Cridge, Sam Lousi, Liam Mitchell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Vaea Fifita, Sam Henwood, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Gareth Evans, Finlay Christie, Richard Judd, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Vince Aso, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Matt Proctor, Ben Lam, Jonah Lowe, James Marshall, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder

Crystal Ball 
The Hurricanes are one of the few sides in the Super Rugby competition that can match the Crusaders for consistency. The Canes boast the best flyhalf in New Zealand in Beauden Barrett and have the luxury of calling on a backline filled with All Blacks stars. If anyone can stop the Crusaders in 2019 it would be the Hurricanes.

2019 Prediction: 2^nd in the New Zealand Conference

Highlanders

Coach: Aaron Mauger
Captains: Ash Dixon and Ben Smith

New Blood: Sef Fa’agase, Marty Banks, Bryn Gatland 

They’ll Miss: Lima Sopoaga
Fly-half Lima Sopoaga opted to resist the lure of the World Cup by signing a two-year contract with Wasps. With Beauden Barrett ahead of him in the pecking order, it made Sopoaga’s decision a no-brainer.

Squad 
Ash Dixon (c), Ben Smith (c), Liam Coltman, Ray Niuia, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Tyrel Lomax, Sef Fa’agase, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Jack Whetton, Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava, Bryn Gatland, Josh Ioane, Marty Banks, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Richard Buckman, Matt Faddes, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Waisake Naholo, Tevita Li, Tevita Nabura,  Josh McKay

Crystal Ball 
Defence was a key issue in the Highlanders finishing their season behind the Hurricanes and Crusaders in 2018. While the Highlanders would finish atop of any other Conference, they’ll be expected to fall behind the Crusaders and Hurricanes in 2019.

2019 Prediction: 3^rd in the New Zealand Conference

African Conference 

The Lions are expected to dominate the South African Conference in 2019. The Lions fell at the final hurdle last season, losing to the Crusaders in the decider. Jaguares will be the team to watch in the African Conference, after showing remarkable improvement under new coach Mario Ledesma.

Bulls

Coach: Human Pote
Captain: Lood de Jager

New Blood: Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen, Paul Schoeman, Garth April, Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman

They’ll Miss: Pierre Schoeman
The South African prop signed a deal with Edinburgh in the offseason to further his career in the northern hemisphere.

Squad
Matthys Basson, Lizo Gqoboka, Madot Mabokela, Simphiwe Matanzima, Nqoba Mxoli, Trevor Nyakane, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Conraad van Vuuren, Frans van Wyk, Schalk Brits, Johan Grobbelaar, Edgar Marutlulle, Jaco Visagie, Lood de Jager, Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman, Hendre Stassen, Tim Agaba, Thembelani Bholi, Nick de Jager, Carel du Preez, Jannes Kirsten, Paul Schoeman, Roelof Smit, Ruan Steenkamp, Muller Uys, Marco van Staden, Hanro Liebenberg, Jano Venter, Duane Vermeulen, Theo Maree, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, Andre Warner, Marnitz Boshoff, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Stedman Gans, JT Jackson, Johnny Kotze, Jesse Kriel, Franco Naude, Burger Odendaal, Dylan Sage, Cornal Hendricks, Travis Ismaiel, Duncan Matthews, Rosko Specman, Jade Stighling, Warrick Gelant, Divan Rossouw

Crystal Ball
The Bulls struggled to win outside of Africa in 2018 and will again need to find a way to win away from home to remain in finals contention. Human Pote takes over from John Mitchell in the head coach role. The former All Black mentor choose to join the England set-up in preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

2019 Prediction: 4th in the South Conference

Lions

Coach: Swys de Bruin
Captain: Warren Whiteley

New Blood: Stephan Lewies 

They’ll Miss: Ruan Dreyer
Ruan Dreyer joins a group of former Lions players that includes Franco Mostert Jaco Kriel heading to the premiership with Gloucester.

Squad
Jacobie Adriaanse, Johannes Jonker, Danie Mienie, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Malcolm Marx, Lourens Erasmus, Rhyno Herbst, Robert Kruger, Marvin Orie, Cyle Brink, Hacjivah Dayimani, Len Massyn, Marnus Schoeman, Kwagga Smith, Warren Whiteley, Ross Cronje, Nic Groom, Dillon Smit, Elton Jantjies, Shaun Reynolds, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Ruan Combrinck, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Courtnall Skosan, Madosh Tambwe, Andries Coetzee, Sylvian Mahuza

Crystal Ball
The Lions finished the competition in second place behind the Crusaders and they’ll be hoping to go one better in 2019. The Lions boast a remarkable record on their home turf, losing only one of their last 23 Super Rugby matches against fellow South African sides.

2019 Prediction: 1st in the South African Conference

Sharks 

Coach: Robert du Preez
Captain: Louis Schreuder

New Blood: Ruben van Heerden

They’ll Miss: Stephan Lewis
The former South African international lock opted to make the move to conference rivals, the Lions in the offseason.

Squad
Andre Esterhuizen, Andrew Evans, Aphelele Fassi, Armand van der Merwe, Cameron Wright, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Coenraad Oosthuizen, Courtney Winnaar, Curwin Bosch, Daniel du Preez, Dylan Richardson, Fezokuhle Mbatha, Gideon Koegelenberg, Grant Williams, Hyron Andrews, Jacobus van Wyk, Jacques Vermuelen, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jeremy Ward, JJ van der Mescht, John-Hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Khuthuzani Mchunu, Kwanda Dimaza, Leolin Zas, Louis Schreuder, Lubabalo Mtembu, Luke Stringer, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Louw, Muller du Pelssis, Mzamo Majola, Phendulani Buthelezi, Philip van der Walt, Rhyno Smith, Robert du Preez, Ruan Botha, Ruben van Heerden, Sanele Nohamba, Sibusiso Nkosi, Tendai Mtawarira, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul, Wian Vosloo

Crystal Ball
The Sharks scrapped into the 2018 Super Rugby Finals, thanks to the Rebels slipping at the final hurdle. The Sharks struggled for consistency last season and its difficult to imagine any major improvement on their 2018 performance.

2019 Prediction: 3rd in the South African Conference


Stormers

Coach:  Robbie Fleck
Captain: Siya Kolisi

New Blood: Corne Fourie, Ruhan Nel

They’ll Miss: Nizaam Carr
Springbok Number 8 Nizaam Carr heads to the English Premiership in 2019 to take up a lucrative contract with Wasps.

Squad
Kwenzo Blose, Neethling Fouche, Steven Kitshoff, Michael Kumbirai, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Alistair Vermaak, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, Chad Solomon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, JD Schickerling, Ernst van Rhyn, Chris van Zyl, Johan du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Chris Massyn, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Cobus Wiese, Nama Xaba, Juarno Augustus, Jaco Coetzee, Kobus van Dyk, Paul de Wet, Herschel Jantjies, Justin Phillips, Jano Vermaak, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Joshua Stander, Damian Willemse, Damian de Allende, Daniel du Plessis, JJ Engelbrecht, Dan Kriel, Ruhan Nel, EW Viljoen, Dillyn Leyds, Sergeal Petersen, Duncan Saal, Seabelo Senatla, Edwill van der Merwe, Craig Barry, SP Marais

Crystal Ball
Exciting playmaker Damian Willemse will have the responsibility of turning around the Stormers fortunes after a poor 2018 season. 20-year old Willemse has four international caps to his name and will be aiming to spark a backline that struggled at both ends of the park in 2018. The Stormers face a tough ask to play finals football and will most likely spend another season on the sidelines come Finals time.

2019 Prediction: 4th in the South African Conference

Jaguares

Coach: Gonzalo Quesada
Captain: Jeronimo de la Fuente

New Blood: Gonzala Quesada 

They’ll Miss: Nicholas Sanchez
Jaguares enjoyed a stellar season in 2018 thanks to the exploits of the Pumas fly-half. Sanchez chose to take up a lucrative contract with Stade Français meaning that the South American side will be relying on Bautista Delguy as their main attacking weapon.

Squad
Agustin Creevy, Bautista Ezcurra, Bautista Delguy, Diego Fortuny, Domingo Miotti, Emiliano Boffelli, Enrique Pieretto, Franco Molina, Gaspar Baldunciel, Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Gonzalo Bertranou, Ignacio Mendy, Javier Diaz, Javier Ortega Desio, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, Joaquin Tuculet, Juan Cruz Mallia, Juan Pablo Zeiss, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Julian Montoya, Lucas Paulos, Lucio Sordoni, Marcos Kremer, Martin Landajo, Matias Alemanno, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Mayco Vivas, Nahual Tetaz Chaparro, Pablo Matera, Ramiro Moyano, Rodrigo Bruni, Santiago Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Santiago Garcia Botta, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Santiago Grondona, Santiago Medrano, Sebastian Cancelliere, Tomas Cubelli, Tomas Lavanini, Tomas Lezana

Crystal Ball
Jaguares enjoyed a breakout season under Pumas coach Mario Ledesma in 2018. The South American side enjoyed their first appearance in the Super Rugby Finals and could have a significant impact on the finals landscape in 2019. Nicolas Sanchez is a massive loss to Jaguares but expect them to steal second spot in the Conference under new coach Gonzalo Quesada

2019 Prediction: 2nd in the South African Conference

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