SRA Semi-finals review – Dominant Dogos punch final ticket

By Joe Santamaria

Dogos stamped their ticket to the Super Rugby Americas final with a dominant 35-13 victory over Tarucas. The Córdoba-based side are now just one win away from regaining the title they won in 2024.

The hosts started on top, but it took 15 minutes for them to break through a stubborn Tarucas defence. Eventually, however, their power game proved too much for the visitors, and Enzo Ocampo forced his way over with support from his teammates.

Dogos extended their lead on the half-hour mark through the ever-impressive Nicolás Viola. The scrum-half ran an excellent supporting line to ensure he was on hand to finish after a Dogos kick in behind caused havoc for the Tarucas defence.

Sensing the advantage was with them, Dogos pushed for a third try before the break and managed it through Tomás Montilla.

The hooker scored just minutes before halftime after a well-organised rolling maul carried him all the way to the line. A late Stefano Ferro penalty got Tarucas on the board, but they already had a mountain to climb, as they headed into the second half trailing 19-3.

Ruthless

Dogos looked to kill off any chance of a comeback with a fast start to the second half and it took them just two minutes to score their fourth try of the game.

All-action loosehead Nicolás Revol Pitt drove over the line from close range to the delight of the home fans.

Tarucas weren’t willing to go down without a fight and grabbed their first try shortly after. An excellent long pass from Ferro found winger Mateo Pasquini, and the youngster was able to score out wide.

Another Ferro penalty reduced the deficit further, but a comeback never looked likely, and Dogos fly-half Nicolás Roger saw out the victory with three penalties of his own.

Dogos were at their ruthless best and will head into Friday’s home final as strong favourites.

Remarkably, the Córdoba-based side will contest their fourth consecutive final, and will be desperate to become champions for the second time in their history.

Tarucas deserve huge credit for reaching the semifinals, especially given the mid-season blip they suffered.

This game was a step too far for them, however, and they were outclassed throughout. The Tucumán franchise have made great progress this season, both on and off the pitch, and have garnered the largest fanbase in the competition to date.

Pampas overcame a stern test from Capibaras to triumph 19-11 in the second semifinal in Buenos Aires. The victory sets up a repeat of the 2024 final on Friday.

Match action

A packed house watched on as both sides fought for every yard throughout a tense opening 40 minutes. Neither side was able to establish dominance and scoring chances were sporadic.

Pampas’ Estanislao Renthel ended the half with three penalties, while Capibaras’ Ignacio Dogliani hit two of his own. Pampas’ three-point halftime advantage did little to dispel the nerves inside the ground.

Ultimately, the home side showed their quality and experience to pull away in the second half. Lucas Marguery, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign, managed to score the game’s first try with almost an hour played.

The scrum-half managed to burrow under the Capibaras defence to the delight of his teammates.

Another Renthel penalty extended the lead to thirteen points heading into the final ten minutes.

A late try from Capibaras replacement Bautista Grenon proved to be too little too late for the visitors, who simply couldn’t close the gap in time.

Pampas are now one victory from the maiden title they have craved for so long. Having been criticised for their playoff performances in the past, this was an impressive result against a strong Capibaras side.

They may not have been at their expansive best, but wins are all that count at this stage and they showed real maturity to secure one.

Capibaras’ remarkable debut season comes to an end and, while the players will be disappointed not to have gone all the way, they deserve huge credit for reaching the playoffs at the first time of asking.

This franchise will no doubt be back and even more competitive next season.

Friday’s final will take place in Córdoba between old enemies Dogos and Pampas. The two premier Argentine franchises meet yet again in the playoffs and there are sure to be fireworks.

The big question is whether Pampas can finally overcome their dismal record against Dogos or whether the home side will be celebrating a second title at the final whistle.

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