Argentina 26
Scotland 18
ON the plus side, Scotland showed some grit when fighting their way back from 18-6 down at half-time to tie the match just before the hour mark, but there was little else to be encouraged by in this performance. The tourists were a distant second-best during the first 40-minutes, and then failed to kick-on in the final quarter when the game was there for the taking.
This was Scotland’s first defeat to Argentina since the 2011 World Cup (six matches ago) and the pressure is now on Gregor Townsend and his team to sharpen up across the board ahead of next Saturday’s re-match in Salta, which they must win in order to avoid handing their opponents an unassailable 2-0 lead in this three Test series.
“We didn’t get going until the second half and that was frustrating,” said Townsend afterwards. “We then got into a position where we believe we could have and should have kicked on, but we didn’t and credit to Argentina for winning the restart and getting a try off that.
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“The game then slowed down so we needed more to change the momentum of that last 20 minutes. It was a stop-start contest all the way through, with a lot of scrums and lot of errors from both teams. Sometimes you’ve got to create your own momentum and you do that through accuracy, but for a lot of the first half that wasn’t the case in the way we played. The second half was better, we just didn’t kick on in the final quarter.”
Townsend was in no mood for excuses and refused to be drawn on whether he felt his team had got the rub of the green in terms of refereeing decisions – including two potential tries being chalked off in the second half – but did express frustration that the game didn’t ever get into the sort of flow he believes suits his players
“You’ve got to make the most of the opportunities you have, especially away from home,” he explained. “You are going to get decisions against you, the big thing for me was the slow nature of the match.
“There was too much stop-start, too much talking while the clock was still on. If that’s the way it is going to be over the course of the series then we’ve got to make sure that we are better and more accurate when the ball is in play to put points on the board.
“We’ve got to up our intensity at the start of the game. I think Argentina brought more energy then, but after that we had some really good moments in defence. The work-rate was good but we’ve got to be more accurate in attack.”
The hosts drew first blood with the game still less than three minutes old when Zander Fagerson tidied up scrappy line-out ball but was penalised for not releasing on the deck under pressure from Juan Martin Gonzalez, with Nicolas Sanchez stepping forward to fire home the points.
The visitors survived the inevitable early onslaught from an Argentinean team playing on home soil in front of their own people for the first time in almost exactly three years with no further points lost, and they then squared the contest with their first trip into enemy territory through a Blair Kinghorn penalty from about 30-yards out and directly in front of the posts.
However, Darcy Graham misjudged the restart, catching the ball when his feet were out of play, and that handed the initiative straight back to the Pumas, with a line-out penalty giving Sanchez a chance to fire his team right back into the lead.
Having lost their selected scrum-half, Tomas Cubelli, to a calf injury just before kick-off, Argentina then lost stand-off Sanchez with a leg injury on 21 minutes, but were clearly in no mood to let that double setback ruin their plans.
A neck roll by Matias Orlando on Sam Johnson allowed Kinghorn to square the contest a few minutes later, but Argentina bounced back immediately with a sweeping attack which led to the game’s opening try. It was a score which featured classic Argentinean power as well as some beautiful handling, with a wonderful overhead pass from prop Francisco Gomez-Kodela sending second-row Guido Petti galloping up field, before Jeronimo de la Fuente powered over a few phases later.
Kinghorn’s restart didn’t go 10 and Argentina helped themselves to try number two just four minutes later when full-back Juan Cruz Mallia ran the ball back from deep and Santiago Cordero carried on momentum for replacement stand-off Santiago Carreras to score. Emiliano Boffelli – who plays his club rugby for Edinburgh – added the conversion to establish a commanding 18-6 home lead at the break.
Scotland had an early opportunity to haul themselves right back into the contest at the start of the second half when a cheap offside penalty by Argentina provided entry into the home team’s 22 for the first time in the match, and the TMO was required to deliberate over whether Duhan van der Merwe had managed to ground a loose ball inside Argentina’s in-goal area, but the decision – rightly – went against the big winger.
Townsend’s boys came again and they got their reward when another Argentine penalty provided the line-out platform for some clever interplay between Rory Hutchinson (coming in from full-back to first-receiver) and Kinghorn, which released Mark Bennett on an arcing run to the line for his first international try since the 2015 World Cup, and when Argentinean indiscipline put Scotland back on the front foot, they took full advantage with Kinghorn sending Hutchinson over on a switch pass.
Kinghorn’s conversion squared the match, but only briefly because Boffelli won back the restart and Argentina burst back into the lead through a try by scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou.
Scotland looked to bite back Johnson went over on the left, but referee Nic Berry called it back for a forward pass by Kinghorn.
Another Boffelli penalty with 10 minutes to go gave Argentina some breathing space and the South Americans had by now regained almost complete control of possession and territory.
When Scotland did have a chance to attack with ball in hand, Matias Moroni managed to swallow up Kinghorn in the tackle to win a penalty.
Teams –
Argentina: JC Mallia; S Cordero, M Orlando (J Imhoff 65), J de la Fuente (M Moroni 55), E Boffelli; N Sanchez (S Carreras 21), G Bertranou; N Tetaz Chaparro (M Vivas 56), J Montoya (A Creevy, 59), F Gomez Kodela (J Sclavi 56), G Petti, M Alemanno (L Paulos 72), JM Gonzalez Samso, M Kremer (F Isa 59), P Matera.
Scotland: R Hutchinson; D Graham, M Bennett, S Johnson (S Tuipulotu 70), D van der Merwe; B Kinghorn, A Price (B White 66); P Schoeman (R Sutherland 59), G Turner (E Ashman 59), Z Fagerson (J Sebastian 59), G Gilchrist, J Gray (S Skinner 66), M Bradbury, L Crosbie (R Darge 53), M Fagerson.
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Scorers –
Argentina: Tries: de la Fuente, Carreras, Bertranou; Con: Sanchez; Pens: Sanchez 2, Boffelli.
Scotland: Tries: Bennett, Hutchinson; Pens: Kinghorn 2.
Scoring sequence (Argentina first): 3-0; 3-3; 6-3; 6-6; 11-6; 16-6; 18-6 (h-t) 18-11; 18-16; 18-18; 23-18; 26-18.
I wonder if Kinghorn would have played at 10 if Hastings had been available. I suspect Townsend would have started Kinghorn anyway, but we’ll never know. Someone here says Thompson doesn’t have the X factor. Maybe not, but he is a more solid and dependable distributor of the ball, less prone to pass to nobody and kick out on the full. Maybe Kinghorn will become more consistent and accurate with his passing and kicking from hand, but I’d rather that development happened at Edinburgh than Scotland. It may be reassuring to have a teammate in the shape of Johnson outside him, but Hutchinson does have the X factor and has been playing consistently well for Northampton, so I would prefer he be given a decent chance to show what he can do at 12.
As for the pack, Gray seems to be playing with a flat battery these days and Cummings would be a far better choice. He played well against Chile and is a far more dynamic player. With neither Darge or Watson fully fit, we lacked impact in the loose too, so that should be improved for the next game when both are available.
Argentina can’t be taken lightly, but Scotland should be able to play better than they did on Saturday. I hope Townsend gives them a chance.
Thompson at least does the basics right, kicker from hand, dependable place kicker. Struggled in a struggling Glasgow team latterly this season. I’d defo start him the next 2 Saturdays.
100% agree re Kinghorn, he’s had a whole season now and is the same player now as he’s ever been capable of sparks of brilliance and given the space can look spectacular but cannot control a game and his kicking is erratic, funny as he would probanly ho better playing alongside G. Horne
One word to describe our performance…Mince
What is going on here?
We were well beaten despite the points in the 2nd half. There is a strong message that needs to go out here to any player who has aspirations to wear a Scotland jersey.
Nothing less than absolute commitment to the death is acceptable. Some of these lads are on holiday already.
So frustrating to see us do this time and again.
I would have Ollie Smith at FB but agree on most of that . Ali Price maybe needs to refresh and be impact sub off the bench . Key is Hutchinson change moving to 12. Dave Cherry, Watson snd Skinner to start . Turner, Young and Crosbie as “ finishers”.
Its an interesting point about Ali Price. Why wasn’t he rested with Hogg, Russell and Harris. We have options at scrum half and it would be good to give them more game time at this level. Of the Lions I can understand taking Fagerson as we’ve fewer alternatives at tight head. No doubt the SRU will now manage Price and Fagerson’s playing time next season which means they wont be available much for Glasgow in the URC.
I read many of the comments, are we really so arrogant that we can’t give Argentina any credit? Ranked one place below Scotland, playing at home in their first test at home for 3 years.
Do any of you understand how difficult it is for Scotland to win a test match against a top ranked nation never mind away from home! May I remind you that we have won 2 tests out with WC’s in the Southern Hemisphere in our whole history.
Of course GT is a dreadful coach, that does make every other coach bar Geech crap as well. The beloved Vern did get credibility back into our game from one of the all time lows but his record against top class nations was not very good.
Of course Gregor may have better players at his disposal, wait a minute that can’t be true as the SRU and especially Mark Dodson are making such a mess of things mmmmmmm.
I was fortunate enough to play during one of the most successful eras of Scottish rugby, my record is 50%.
In my view we have badly underperformed in one game in the last year, Wales and Gregor has to be responsible for that.
Maybe it is time for change but remember where we were not so long ago and history also tells us we have always had to battle just to win. Bye bye all. 🐻
Unfortunately it isn’t arrogant criticism of the fact that Argentina played better it is the reality of the fact that Scotland didn’t but should have, that with respect isn’t arrogance it is a consistent critique of inconsistent performance for various reasons of contributors on this platform some of which are valid some of which are less so but posted from frustration.
How many times have they taken the field, got on the back foot because initially they haven’t performed?
How many times have Scotland scored and immediately failed to take control of the restart?
How many times have players been selected and discarded on what appears to be a whim, Jones and Bennett in particular immediately come to mind, only to go South and play in the Premiership in England and perform week after week?
How many times have we to question the ability of the powers that be for gesture decisions that fail to identify the necessity to support the clubs in Scotland from the grassroots rather than squander scant finances in areas that you and I both know do not put backsides on seats at Murrayfield or elsewhere for that matter.
How can some individuals of outstanding ability on the field fail to observe the inability of the systems and governance being foisted on Scottish Rugby, that’s as big a mystery as some of the selections processes that we lesser mortals observe desperate to see Scotland consistently ‘punch above their weight’ metaphorically speaking of course.
All teams have to battle to win.
Let’s not just accept defeat because it is difficult to win.
As a fan I have to say GT has a good record against France and an excellent one against England. However, it is absolutely infuriating that against teams that most fans think we should compete with eg Ireland and Wales he’s won 1 game in 13 and that was in an empty stadium. Its that kind of inconsistency, the manner of those losses, combined with some very questionable selection decisions and peculiar man management that gets him called out. If we could show the same fight we display against England against the lower ranked Tier 1 nations we might be getting somewhere.
How about this back line for next week?
Horne (SH), Kinghorn (FH), McLean (wing), Hutchinson (i/c), Bennett (o/c), VDM (wing, Graham (FB).
An Argentinian embarrassment! No question.
A team that was clearly poorly motivated, poorly selected and poorly coached. I, for one, cannot wait until the RWC to get rid of this coaching staff.
Disappointing . Forwards looked to lack cohesion so maybe Skinner and Watson might bring a better balance . I thought 90% of what Kinghorn did was very good and in a few occasions exceptional. Maybe Johnson needs to work a bit more in helping him create space and evasion . Both tries could have been out of the Edinburgh playbook with Hutchinson ( a la Lang or Dean at ER) moving to first receiver and or loop. Maybe Hutchinson should run out at 12 next week. Calls for him to move to 10 are ludicrous!
Need to be patient with Kinghorn. Scotland need a threat at 10 and if Fin isn’t around BK is the next best.
He has had one season at 10 for Edinburgh and very little time internationally. Could yet be the real deal. Don’t see any other Scottish 10s that have the same potential. Ross T is a a very tidy player but no x factor and Hastings is not good enough.
imagine the two forward coach’s half time talks – Scotland – FFS you’ve not fired a shot, get the finger out and show me what your made of. Argentina – good stuff, we’ve got them where we want, just go out and do the same, nothing stupid. The result one pack desperate, the other a bit complacent. Suddenly Scotland forwards provide some go forward ball and backs start scoring. Then Argentina switch back on. Our main problem was at the coal face.
Here’s an interesting one. How do you think Kinghorn rated against the other 10s on display yesterday? Eg Smith, Barrett,…
And looked like a possible red was missed on 59 mins when Schoeman took a big shoulder to the head after the ball had gone from the ruck. One for the citing officer to look at, but will they.
(He was complaining about it at the next stoppage but didn’t get any back up from the rest of his team. Compare that to the constant advice the other teams were giving to the ref in their games. Are we too nice, not desperate enough?)
He should have gone down on his haunches at the next break of play and asked for the physio. Would have given the TMO something to do and made the referee check. We are not professional enough in that sense.
Yet another match where GT comments we didn’t start quickly enough or play enough in the first half. This has been an issue since the last world cup and we’re still listening to GT moaning about it instead of fixing it. Agree with the other comments about BK better at 15 but the arrogance of the current coach won’t change anything so blindingly obvious as he always knows best.
Correct sir, the not playing enough, slow/passive periods and absolutely inexplicable errors are the same now as they were in the RWC where “the fastest rugby in the world” debacle had me calling for GTs resignation/sacking.
GTs stats are decent but it doesn’t “feel” better.
An away defeat to Argentina was always possible but as per usual its the manner of the defeat
Spot on Pete! We need a 12 who can unlock defences and take some of the pressure off Finn (or other 10s). Redpath and Hutchinson look the best options. Maybe Matt Currie in time. We are wasting talent in the back 3 because we don’t create space and give them ball. Did Duhan get any passes?
Hutchinson played very well at 10 for both the under-18s and under-20s several years ago. Might he not return to this position for Scotland. Kinghorn has played some good games for Edinburgh this season at stand-off, but he does not seem to be the answer to the 10 position at international level. He’s probably best on the bench covering a number of positions. If Thompson is not being considered at 10 why not give Hutchinson a run in the pivot position? Whoever gets the nod at 10 will still have to depend on the forwards providing fast ball – patently missing yesterday. Scotland’s forwards need to have much more urgency and physicality. Several looked off the pace. Suggest that Skinner should start instead of Gray.
Dreadful 1st half when we didn’t enter the Argentinians 22 once . Great 3rd Q with the 2 slick tries and I doubt anyone other than Kinghorn would have made the 2nd try with his shear pace on the outside. After that we had the disastrous restart where they took clean possession and scored immediately.
Our failure to deal with restarts has been a long standing problem and really let’s us down. A few other poor errors made the difference and we just need more accuracy with ball retention. I like Hutchison – always has time on the ball. Prefer George Horne to come on as well. Didn’t think the back row was too bad but wonder if Skinner is worth a start. Also think Dave Cherry never lets you down.
Should be capable of winning 2nd test although this is a decent Argie side so need to up our game.
Come back Vern.
Scotland look bereft of a gameplan or style of play at the moment. Some decent players out there but there seems to be no cohesive effort and I’m afraid the last season suggests the whole setup is amateur compared to other top-tier unions. GT is sadly not the man to coach Scotland and in hindsight it would have been better if he’d gone abroad after his stint at Glasgow and gained some experience and man-management skills. That being said some seem content to languish at Glasgow and Edinburgh, big fish in small pond mentality picking up their ££ and sponsored cars and not being exposed to the competition for places that is evident at other clubs, there is no fear of failure and that breeds complacency. Players such as Russell and Hogg should be congratulated for taking a risk and playing outside Scotland but they return to the international fold and their actions on and off the pitch indicate they believe the whole SRU environment is a bit of a joke.
It’s not his fault that Scotland lost but Kinghorn is not an international standoff, one or two breaks in open play can’t disguise that fact that he could do the same things from wing or fullback (shouldn’t be first choice there either mind you) he has no idea how to control a game, his passing is either behind the man or along the ground (can you imagine the nightmare of trying to play outside him, especially at this level) and he kicks without actually thinking where the ball might end up, handing the ball and momentum back to the opposition or he runs into contact upright and loses the ball. He might be able to do a job at Edinburgh against mediocre opponents but it is now time to get professional and play an actual 10 or at least someone who can at least pass the ball consistently. There was a huge improvement when an intelligent and skilful player like Hutchison was first receiver and he’s a centre! Townsend, you’ve had years to sort this team out, stop short-changing the fans with this “experiment” claiming you are trying out combinations, at least present us with a discernible gameplan.
Why oh why does GT persist in trying to uncover a magical solution by picking players out of position, rather than picking those in form in position? How much more balanced would the team have been with Kinghorn at FB, Hutchinson at 12, and Thompson at 10?
Being a Warriors fan I rate SJ, but he is not our best 12, Hutchinson is a quality individual which shone through despite being out of position, play him at 12, Bennett outside him, and Thompson at 10, a quality kicker. He may not have Kinghorns running flair, but when you have Hutchinson and Bennet outside you may not need it…. So Kinghorn or Smith at FB? Problem is, NOT starting Kinghorn at 10 is unthinkable and an admission that it isn’t working and I can’t see GT doing that after the time invested? Hope that I’m wrong….
Plenty enough quality in this squad to turn this round – if the right choices and tweaks made.
PS – agree with Tasmanian Tiger re cut & paste, getting sick of same old same old…..
Spot on Pete! We need a 12 who can unlock defences and take some of the pressure off Finn (or other 10s). Redpath and Hutchinson look the best options. Maybe Matt Currie in time. We are wasting talent in the back 3 because we don’t create space and give them ball. Did Duhan get any passes?
Agreed Pete D.
I am sick and tired of this, especially Kinghorn at 10. It makes sense Edinburgh try him there given the other options available but, based on last season, I don’t think he would be a starting 10 at any other professional club. And he is so far from being an international class 10 it is hugely unfair for him to be put in that position.
Is moving Kinghorn from 15 to 10 just a political move to shore up a misfiring Hogg’s position and threaten an unmanageable Russell’s? The Scotland coaching set up appears to be so dysfunctional now that it wouldn’t surprise me.
We are continually being gaslighted by the SRU establishment and their media allies about Kinghorn’s excellence at 10. If he is that good, why can’t they just let us decide on the evidence of our own eyes?
For my money, BK needs to get out of Scotland, establish himself as a starting FB or wing for his new team and compete for his international place based on that.
Spot on re BK. Rumour was that Scarlets were interested in him 3 or 4 seasons ago – which would have suited him at that time and (I think) helped develop him further – shame as I think that his potential is probably being wasted with the incessant changing of position and Hoggy could do with someone chasing his heels for the position.
Lets face it Scotland looked second best. Silly errors, poor collisions, we lost the breakdown area and we lacked ideas in attack. There’s still time please bring us a new coaching team. With this lot we have zero chance of exiting the World Cup pool stage.
Well that did not work Gregor. Not sure but did we mount an attack on the Argentinian 22 in the first half. The third 1/4 was much better, but our casual carelessness let us down again after we got back in to the game yet again.
Not sure Kinghorn is our answer at 10 nor I feel is Thompson, without Finn we struggle. Next game bring in Thompson at 10 , Hutchinson at 12 and Bennett or Tuipulotu at 13, and start with a Darge, Fagerson , Watson and try Skinner and Cummings at lock.
Of the team:
Kinghorn – struggles at 10. Passes to no one, no control and after 1st phase move looked lost and resorted to one-out runners. For his power, he doesn’t become a running threat enough either. Given lack of depth at 15, really don’t understand why this experiment persists.
2nd rows – Gray had completely gone off the boil the last few years. When played with Gilco, both are solid but offer zero running/jackling/passing threat. No dynamism, that then puts pressure on the back row. Need a change with Skinner (who is similar to a six) and/or Cummings.
Crosbie – Anonymous. Feel Darge or Watson will start next week. Lack of breakdown threat hurt us.
Wingers – both had ok games, was impressed with DVDM defence covering, but we never get them on the ball at all these days. I get teams are wary of our back three, but for all their threat they are never given the ball in space (not helped by our 10).
Hutchinson looked good, if a little out of position at 15 (understandable) – think a pairing of him and Bennett in centres is worth trying, not sure Johnson offers much these days.
Subs: why does Townsend wait until it is too late to influence the game to make a sub? Ben White barely gets a game, Ross Thompson gets none, Skinner gets 15 minutes… at altitude, not sure the logic. Would be keen on Ashman getting a longer game time also. Daft all round.
Pitch: Scotland deserved to lose, but that pitch is a joke. The fact it is both shorter and at altitude just means running rugby is a stupid option when you can make a clearing kick to the other end of the pitch and take pentalies at goal from halfway with ease. Didn’t help the game flow.
TV: Wish the TMO controlled the images rather than the broadcaster. Darcy was thumped in the head in the 1st half in slow mo, but soon as it was noticed, replay was never seen again. No further views on Kinghorns pass to SJ in the corner. Neck rolls repeatedly ignored (when we conceded blindside, looked like a roll on Kinghorns neck…).
Ref: my god Nick Berry is pedantic. Refuses to let the game flow, and wasted so much time resetting scrums. Lots of harsh calls and ignored multiple offsides.
General state of affairs over the weekend, wish refs policed the offside more. How can we get running rugby if the defence is up in the 10s face after one pass, never on the back foot and never policed…
How long do we give him more like, not his shot spiel?
Can someone delete this as this was meant as a reply to @George Haley and has a typo via stupid predictive text.
Positives: the starting scrum looked really good, and Bennett played well both sides of the ball. All our best attacking moments came through Hutchinson stepping into the attacking line so let’s see him do that more or put him at 12 where he can get his hands on the ball.
Negatives: the first half attack, Kinghorn passing to no one, failing to deal with restarts, and a load of daft stuff e.g. Price bouncing the ball off Sutherland’s feet at a scrum feed.
Johnson’s try looked absolutely fine, though we never saw a replay from the broadcaster. Unless it was miles forward surely the ref should have let it be scored then checked with the TMO.
VDM tried like few of the others, looked really driven, didn’t think it was too bad. Kinghorn is not an international 10. Let Thompson have a few games to get bedded in, he looks calm and controlled. Hutchison is arguably the best 12 in England at the moment so why not play him at 15? He wasn’t bad but never really looked his best. Bennett looking sharp
Forwards not completely outmuscled so can hold up heads
Looking forward to next week, just hope GT doesn’t manage to bugger it up completely. I notice he was already starting to complain about things. Talk about getting your retaliation in early!
How long can we put up with platitudes about learning curves and lessons
We need a few wins?
You mean how long do we give HIM, not his drivel in press conferences etc because I am getting shit fed up with these unacceptable performances ffs!!! By the way that comment above was for here if anyone is wondering what I mean plus it has a typo via a stupid predictive text, I am trying to delete it but can’t :(.
VDM needs to do more. He is lethal in space with ball in hand, but his work rate is poor for an international winger. Darcy is always looking for the ball, popping up in the middle, searching for inside breaks off 9 & 10. I know we were low in possession in the first half, but it isn’t enough for him to hug the tramlines.
Harsh Andrew. VDM got no ball and did his best work running towards his own try line. Cleaned a few rucks which is more than can be said for many of our undermuscled forwards. A heavier pack but we were pushed off a few times by the Argies. What is with Jonny Gray these days? Offers little and used to be a tackling machine and lineout specialist. Not a single throw to him yesterday. The errors are now getting ridiculous. Darcy catching in touch, Kinghorn passing to no-one. Nobody claiming a restart. It goes on and on time after time. I hear the boys are enjoying their time in Atgentina though. 🙄
This fixture was a microcosm of my/our support over the years, off the pace and unable to get any ball in the first half, then 20 minutes of belief that we were going to do it, then the old default position.
Mind you the replay of the second try where the suspicion was that the ball didn’t initially hit the line and was held up never materialised nor did the replay of Kinghorn’s forward pass, although it looked as if it had been.
We will have to improve, but so will Argentina who just looked quicker of thought and pacier, still not convinced Kinghorn despite some good moments is the answer at 10. Darcy Graham as ever made an effort and VDM, well I’ve seen that sort of touch down given, if he hadn’t ‘forced’ the ball to the ground it wouldn’t have bounced, surely!
As the first comment said, ‘cut and paste’.
Just watched the game…….was sort of struggling (or not going to) re comment. Tasmanian Tiger nails it……….. 1st half we were sluggish and Argentina were in control throughout, Scotland actually did well to only be l2 points down. Quick ball on front foot = 2 quick tries, in the ascendancy- lose the restart concede a try, unforgivable. Whilst he didn’t play that badly and
Was involved in both tries Kinghorn simply hasn’t the all round game to be an international 10. Fine when the game opens up, but has nothing when it doesn’t. Hutchinson is a good player, VDM rarely seen the ball. I refer to Tasmanian Tigers last sentence
There’s mistakes made even by the best teams at Test match level but today was a frustrating watch where often Scottish ball carriers forgot the notion of needing support at ruck time. Contact skills are key at any level and of course at the top level super marginal. Scotland lost too many collision/contact situations today.
I understand when you are chasing the game thinking ahead to the breakdown is not a top priority, but it just felt like Scotland again gave away some needless penalties at crucial times, and any time we gained momentum, such as Hutchinson’s well taken try, we hand momentum straight back with a terrible restart reception and powder puff tackling. The midfield chase by Turner and Z Fagerson for the second Argentina try was also disappointing. It’s a test series though, so trying to retain optimism. Think a few changes are coming and needed.
Not sure Crosbie enhanced his reputation nor Bradbury, but would like to see them both rebound with bigger performances next week. Gray and Gilchrist are great operators but perhaps a change needed to push them in the Second Row too? See if Cummings can bring something back in terms of more abrasive and direct ball carrying.
Duhan so heavily marked now in Scotland colours but they somehow need to find a way of involving him more. I personally thought Hutchinson added a real touch of class and extra edge in attack. Options on this tour probably mean he doesn’t move to 12, but would be good to see him there helping Kinghorn on his inside.
Finally, well played Argentina, some good rugby in the first half and they took their chances either earned or gifted to them well.
Weve seen this movie so many times before you could almost cut and paste previous games comments here. And unfortunately this depressing rerun of failures will continue with the odd positive blip while this coaching setup remains in place until after the world cup.
Game didn’t have the right feel to it with a tricky and stable Argentina side v end of season Scotland missing some key personnel.
I think we’ll win 1 test. My feeling.
As they build to try rectify this, is sending more home after next one most conducive to better cohesion seemingly needed? Just not convinced it’ll help player prep or coaches get the right team selection and winning game plan. To merit doing.