Escalona hoping to spark OBU to Jubilee Cup semi-final win

Agustin Escalona running freely in OBU's 18-17 win over Ories four weeks ago. Another tight match is expected in their semi-final this coming Saturday. 

Agustin Escalona is a qualified engineer who designs electrical power lines. Escalona, often seen riding a push bike in central Wellington, describes his work as “building critical infrastructure.”

The Argentinian lock forward has become ‘critical infrastructure’ for Old Boys University. This Saturday he will make his 98th appearance for the Billy Goats in the Jubilee Cup semi-final against Oriental Rongotai.

The son of former Argentine diplomat Fernando Escalona, Agustin wasn't supposed to stay in New Zealand, but swift employment and a love of rugby ensured a permanent relocation.

“I came to New Zealand to visit dad after I finished my degree,” Escalona recalls.

“I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but dad and I played rugby in Buenos Aires so the rugby culture in New Zealand was very appealing. I didn't know one club from the other, but geographically OBU was convenient living in Karori. When I got a job and gelled with the OBU boys I chose to say,” he continued.

The rugged and consistent Escalona has become one of the most respected tight forwards in the competition. He made his debut for the Goats in a 45-13 win against Wainuiomata in 2013 and scored one of his eight tries for the club in his second game against Ories.

In 2015, Old Boys University won the Jubilee Cup for the first time in 50 years. Qualifying seventh in the Swindale Shield didn't make that appear a likely possibility. What happened to inspire a 19-game win streak which ended in Round 11 of the Swindale Shield the following season?

“I think our coach Jeremy Little believed in us more than we did ourselves. We grew each week from the positive feedback we got and it was special to win the Jubilee for the first time in 50 years,” Escalona responded.

Last year Escalona featured in 18 games as again OBU were crowned Kings of the Wellington rugby jungle.

“We had more of an established team last year with a number of experienced players. To win the Jubilee Cup you need a core group of experienced players while at the same time building depth throughout the season,” Escalona observes.

OBU used 56 players in 2017, 54 have been employed this year. Recent weeks have been tricky with flanker Will Mangos forced to fill in at centre. Is the Goats’ cattle completely exhausted?

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game. It's the same for every club and isn't an excuse,” Escalona retorts.

This year the durable lock has missed just one game for OBU this season, back in round two in March.

As well as for OBU, he has played some post-season rugby for some representative teams before, including some games for the Wellington Maori side.

A broken ankle which required surgery in 2007 is the worst affliction Escalona has suffered. OBU he warns will have to be braced to wear some knocks to topple Ories.

Ories have been to the semi-finals seven times in the past eight seasons, last making the final in 2013. Though OBU have won both clashes this season, three of the last seven encounters have been decided by one point.

“Traditionally Ories have a big pack and a great back row. Additionally this year they have dangerous backs so we're going to have to shut down their space and take our chances,” Escalona observed.

Key players for Ories, should they play, include captain Tuakana Metuarau, No.8 Luca Rees, who has scored 22 tries this season, and Wellington Lions centre Malo Tuitama.

OBU have won 19 of their last 22 games at Nairnville Park and have scored at least one try in their past 130 matches. However the fixture has been shifted to the Hutt Rec. What is wrong with Nairnville Park?

“Nairnville is a good ground and we enjoy playing there, but it does get very muddy at this time of year and we enjoy a firm surface. Wherever we play it’ll be a tough game,” Escalona concludes.

Jubilee Cup semi-finals this Saturday (kick-offs at 2.30pm):

• Northern United (1) v Hutt Old Boys Marist (4) at Porirua Park
• Old Boys University (2) v Oriental-Rongotai (3) at the Hutt Recreation Ground