Newman defeats CUBA to extend Top 14 lead, fueled by Gonzalo Gutiérrez Taboada's talent

Newman solidified their dominance in the Top 14 rugby league by securing a hard-fought 31-25 victory over CUBA at Villa de Mayo. This win marks their 12th in 13 matches, extending their lead at the top of the standings with a significant 16-point advantage over fifth place.

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It was an irregular game; we suffered many turnovers. We lost easy balls, with unforced errors that a team like CUBA converts into points.

The reigning champions demonstrated their squad depth by rotating players, a strategy that allows them to manage physical loads without compromising their performance. Several players, including Bautista Bosch, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, Benjamín Lanfranco, and Beltrán Salese, came off the bench to contribute. Salese, in particular, continues to lead the Top 14 in tries with 11.

Despite the win, Newman acknowledged periods of inconsistency during the match. Fly-half Gonzalo Gutiérrez Taboada, who celebrated his 39th birthday during the week, admitted to "many turnovers" and "unforced errors" that allowed CUBA to score. However, he praised the team's ability to "pull it off" even when not playing at their best.

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It was uncomfortable, but we pulled it off. It's good that, far from our best version, we manage to win these games.

Gutiérrez Taboada remains a crucial player for Newman, being the only team member to start every match this season. His ability to find gaps in the defense and create scoring opportunities, as seen in the lead-off try to Justo Ortiz Basualdo, continues to be a key factor in Newman's success. The match itself was a back-and-forth affair, with CUBA scoring tries through Pedro Castro Nevares and Joaquín Ezcurra, but Newman's effectiveness in deep attacks proved decisive.

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The pick and go is not usually a strong point for us, but in this game it worked