Jaguares' surge in Super Rugby increases the threat of the Pumas at this year's Rugby World Cup - Fitzpatrick

All Blacks great Sean Fitzpatrick believes the Jaguares' surge in Super Rugby will increase the threat of the Pumas at this year's Rugby World Cup.

The Argentine franchise have qualified for their first Super Rugby final, taking on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

It represents a steady and impressive rise for the Jaguares.

Since being admitted to Super Rugby in 2016, they have finished 13th, 10th, seventh and second in the overall standings.

Unlike Japan's Sunwolves who have been axed, the Jaguares have proven increasingly competitive. Last year they lost a quarterfinal to the Lions in Johannesburg in their first playoffs appearance.

While there has been criticism of the Jaguares loading their team with Argentina internationals, Fitzpatrick feels their rise is good for the game in general.

He also believes that finding their best form in a Rugby World Cup year could help the Pumas' cause at the global tournament in September.

The Jaguares face the Crusaders in Christchurch in the Super Rugby at 7.35pm Saturday.