Scotland surrenders while Argentina suffers its second loss of the fall

The scars of last weekend’s loss to New Zealand appeared to have healed in the first 40 minutes at Murrayfield. Although some chances were missed, when Dempsey passed the ball from outside the 22-meter box to score without touching it, the goal was deserved.

Ashman’s first attack was also good, as the hooker flew onto a flat pass from Jamie Dobie to crash in from a few yards out.

Argentina enjoyed possession, but struggled to break down Scotland’s line, and new defensive coach Lee Radford was happy with the 14-0 half-time score, even if Juan Cruz Malia missed two penalty kicks.

The early stages of the second half were still going Scotland’s way, and Ashman set up their second goal with another fine run. Once again, he was the constant option from the breakdown, running over the top of the Argentine defender to score the ball.

With the score at 21-0, Scotland simply stalled, while Argentina began to move through the gears.

A long, crazy pass from Finn Russell was intercepted in 22 meters by Argentina and the Pumas raced up the pitch, only to be stopped by a lawless Scotland defense which saw Blair Kinghorn carded.

Montoya took cover moments later, before a breakaway down the right flank allowed Esgrue to run straight at Russell, hit the fly-half backwards, and cross the line.

Scotland’s spell appeared to stop the bleeding from the penalty spot, but the wind was soon back in Argentina’s sails when Rubiolo passed under the posts.

With five points to go, in the final 10 minutes, Scotland came back on their own within 22 metres. Nothing was working, the defense was creaking, and the next result seemed inevitable.

Matera, a former captain with over 100 caps, was brought on from the bench and used his strength to put the score under the posts once again. This time, we took a long look at it, but few could argue that the ball wasn’t grounded.

Shocked and lacking the confidence they had shown in the first half, the Scots shot the ball from 22 meters and Picardo added the fifth goal.