By Joe Santamaria
A superb performance from Dogos saw them finally clinch their maiden Super Rugby Americas title against fellow countrymen Pampas. After falling short in last year’s final, Dogos came into the game as underdogs, having been comprehensively beaten by their opponents in Round 11.
The game was fiercely competitive early on as both sides looked to impose their style on proceedings. After trading early penalties, Dogos landed the first meaningful blow in typical style as Aitor Bildosola crashed over following a powerful rolling maul. Pampas have wowed supporters with their expansive game this season but their response showed they possess plenty of grit up front to match it. Loosehead prop Javier Corvalán burrowed his way over to level the scores after twenty minutes.
Pampas were beginning to grow into the game and took the lead with another penalty from Joaquin De La Vega Mendia. The Buenos Aires side were building pressure and looking to unleash their potent backline but a loose pass was snatched by Dogos flanker Valentin Cabral who showed great pace to race in from well inside his own half. Pampas quickly reclaimed the lead with another penalty but it was clear that the try had dented their momentum going into halftime.
Dogos made Pampas pay for their inaccuracies in a second-half performance that was close to flawless. The Cordoba side showed immense resilience in defence while their forwards continued to dominate the set piece. Replacement Juan Bautista Baronio kicked masterfully to ensure the underdogs built a lead and forced Pampas to chase the game. Juan Manuel Leguizamón’s side’s lack of experience at this stage of the competition began to show and their desire to get back into the contest only led to more mistakes.
15 unanswered points from the boot of Juan Bautista Baronio silenced the Pampas supporters, who realised the game was slipping away from their team. With minutes to go on the clock, a penalty try secured the championship for Dogos.
A late Pampas consolation try put a little more respect on the scoreline but the Dogos fans were already celebrating the 37-23 victory. With international matches coming in July, it is highly likely that some of these players will be involved for the first time but, for now, the Dogos players will rightly celebrate a famous and deserved win against the odds.
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