Scotland suffered a painful home defeat to Argentina, after squandering a 21-0 lead. The match, played at Murrayfield, ended with a score of 33-24 in favor of the Argentinians, in a performance that left Scottish fans stunned.
The Scottish team seemed headed for victory, thanks to a try by Jack Dempsey and two by Ewan Ashman, which gave them a comfortable lead on the scoreboard. However, Argentina, who had shown a discreet performance until that moment, took advantage of a mistake by Finn Russell and the yellow card to Blair Kinghorn to score five tries in the last half hour of the game, completely demolishing the locals.
Santiago Carreras was fundamental in Argentina’s victory.
The match began with a last-minute change in Scotland’s lineup, due to Ben White’s illness, with Jamie Dobie replacing him. The home team started strong, and were faced with one less player after five minutes, when Juan Cruz Mallia received a yellow card for an intentional knock-on.The first try arrived in the 13th minute, courtesy of Dempsey, with Russell adding the extra points. Scotland’s lead was extended with a try by Ashman and Russell’s subsequent conversion.
Mallia missed a penalty attempt, and Ashman added another try, increasing Scotland’s lead. The first half ended with a score in favor of the home team by 14-0. In the 44th minute, Ashman scored his second try, with Dobie assisting, and Russell converted. However, an interception by Russell allowed Argentina to launch a counterattack that resulted in a yellow card for Kinghorn. Argentina took advantage of the numerical superiority, scoring two tries in the third quarter. Montoya and Rodrigo Isgo were the authors of the Argentinian tries, although Carreras missed a conversion. Russell scored a penalty, but Argentina continued their comeback, with a try by Pedro Rubiolo and Carreras’ conversion, getting closer on the scoreboard.The Pumas scored a fourth try, scored by Pablo Matera, with Carreras converting and putting Argentina ahead on the scoreboard. Justo Piccardo sealed the Argentine victory with a try in the 79th minute, with Carreras adding the final conversion.
