Scotland capitulate as Argentina inflict second Autumn loss
The scars from last week’s defeat against New Zealand appeared to have healed in the first 40 minutes at Murrayfield. Although there were a few missed opportunities, it was well deserved when Dempsey dived from outside 22 meters to score untouched.
Ashman’s first worked well too, as he whipped a straight pass from hooker Jamie Dobie into the ground and hit the ground a few yards out.
Although Argentina had the ball, they struggled to break through Scotland’s line and new defense coach Lee Radford must have been pleased that the half-time score was 14-0, even though Juan Cruz Mallia had missed two penalties.
The opening stages of the second half were still going Scotland’s way and Ashman again set up the second half with a superb run. Once again, it was his worst option of the season, heading over an Argentinian defender to round off the spot.
With the score at 21-0, Scotland stopped and Argentina started to change gears.
In Argentina’s 22nd metre, Finn Russell’s long, looping pass was intercepted and the Pumas raced upfield, only to be stopped by an illegal Scotland defense for whom Blair Kinghorn was booked.
Montoya dug the tunnel a few minutes later, before a breakaway from the right allowed Isgro to run straight at Russell, slam his fly half backwards and head over the line.
Scotland’s talisman appeared to have stopped the bleeding with a penalty from the kick-off, but the wind soon returned to Argentina’s sails as Rubiolo passed under the posts.
With five points in the last 10 minutes, Scotland set up camp at 22 metres. Nothing was working, the defense was creaking and the next point seemed inevitable.
Matera, a former captain with over 100 caps to his name, was brought off the bench and again used his strength to score under the posts. This time we looked for a long time, but very few people could claim that the ball did not touch the ground.
Shocked in the first half and losing confidence, Scotland cleared the ball from 22 meters and Piccardo added the fifth point.
