Martín Sigren, figure of Selknam: “This victory shows us that we can fight anyone”

Chilean rugby experienced a historic moment this Friday. Selknam’s victory against Jaguares in the American Super League of Rugby (SLAR) clearly showed that the national level in this discipline has risen considerably and that now golden years could come for the country.

One of the referents of this franchise (which is the core of the national team) is Martín Sigren. The Chilean rugby player went through much of that process and today he is one of the most important players in the team that caused the first loss in tournament history to Argentina’s mighty Jaguares. In fact, yesterday he scored one of the two tries that paved the way for the celebrations in Valparaíso, being chosen the figure of the match.

That’s why after his dream day, he opens up to speak with El Deportivo. With the adrenaline out of his body and with the serenity that what he experienced on Friday was just a victory, in a greater challenge. He is optimistic, but cautious. He knows the job is not done and there is much to live for. With this mentality, the one who was also captain of the Condors, spoke clearly and precisely about the victory and what is to come.

How did you work on the victory against the Argentine franchise?

What we talked about the most during the week was concerning the first 20 minutes, we had analyzed a Jaguar which went deep, which caught up with the half-asleep teams. In fact, previous matches had been shut down in those early moments. So we realized that if we got strong there, with a good defense, then the game would open up.

What has been Selknam’s greatest strength in this SLAR?

Our strength, which we have gradually recovered during these three matches, is our defense. Something that characterizes this team is to have a solid defense, which rises, which attacks the rival, an offensive defense. It’s something that we were able to recover in this last game.

Is this a sign that the team is ready to take the SLAR?

I think it reaffirms the work we have done, fills us with confidence and allows us to understand that if the group prepares well and works hard in the matches we can win the tournament, but the truth is that it is something thing we’re not thinking about it, we’re going game by game There’s still a lot of tournament left.

Is there a very noticeable superiority between the Jaguares and the others?

It’s the rival everyone wants to beat, the champion who went undefeated, the Argentine team with by far the most armed high performance structure, they have the UAR (Argentina Rugby Union) behind them, so they are by far the most developed, so this is the team you always want to go out and win.

Is the match against the United States, for the World Cup quota, better faced after this victory?

Totally. It fills us with confidence and shows us that we are capable of fighting anyone. These are the games we need, to really measure ourselves. Jaguares are a great team, they are excellent duels and the ones that prepare us the best.

Compared to last year, do you receive more support? Did the good results of the Condors help you?

The truth is that there is still a long way to go. I’m not going to tell you that we are in precarious conditions, but our conditions have not improved compared to last year, some are even worse. Maybe today there are more shirt sponsors, but to really be able to compete at this level is something that needs a lot of support. Today it appears more, but it is missing.