The Lions who were the losing finalists in the two previous editions of the competition, host the Argentines who in their turn have qualified for the play-offs for the first time.

In their six previous meetings between the two sides, it have been the home team that one each of those games.

The Lions defence coach, Joey Mongalo, says they will have their hands full.

“The Jaguares are a very good side. I think they have the most carries and most passes in Super Rugby, or least that is what the stats say. We are expecting them to keep the ball quite a bit and I thought on the weekend the Bulls gave us a scare for 20 minutes and that helped us a whole lot in prepping for the Jags.

“We are quite excited for the challenge that is in front of us, but we are making no mistake that it is a challenge.

“What makes them different is the tempo that they play at, they thrive off quick ball, and also unpredictability.

“You are never at rest until you have the ball in your hands and they’re absolutely dangerous from turnover.

“If you look at when they played against the Stormers, the Stormers had the ball in their own 22 and were about to score, they got a turnover and 80 metres later the Jaguares scored.

“Their unpredictability and their ability to handle the ball for many phases is what I’d say sets them apart.”

Saturday’s quarter-final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg kicks off at 15:05, and at 9:35 the Crusaders host the Sharks in Christchurch.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport