2022 Argentina vs Scotland

International Second Test Preview: Argentina Vs. Scotland

International Second Test Preview: Argentina Vs. Scotland

Los Pumas snapped a five-match losing streak to Scotland in the first test of a three-match series against "the thistle." On July 9, the teams meet again.

Jul 6, 2022
International Second Test Preview: Argentina Vs. Scotland

Argentina was part of a SANZAAR contingency that beat their Northern Hemisphere counterparts across the board. In the second test match, Argentina will look to double-up on the Scottish side.

Here's everything you need to know about the July 9 match between Argentina and Scotland. 

Where: Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta, Argentina

Rosters

The lowdown: SANZAAR sides officially ruled the weekend after Argentina won 26-18 against Scotland in San Salvador as part of their first meeting of three this month, with Los Pumas coach Michael Cheika finding himself victorious in his debut on the Argentine touchline. 

The hosts led 18-6 at halftime after taking advantage of a slow-starting Scotland, and though coach Gregor Townsend's team made things interesting with two second-half tries in five minutes from Mark Bennett and Rory Hutchinson, the Scots were held scoreless in the game's final quarter as a try from Gonzalo Bertranou and a penalty from Emiliano Boffelli, who plays club rugby with Scotland's Edinburgh, sealed the deal and put Los Pumas ahead for good. 

The result snapped a five-match winning run from Scotland in the series, as Argentina won against the Scots for the first time since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, also doubling as the visitors' first defeat in Argentina since 2008. 

Townsend's decision to not select seasoned stars Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg for the Argentina tour, citing rest, may prove to be costly as Scotland looked to lack a bite on the pitch for much of the afternoon. 

The second match in Salta may prove to be a defining point for both sides. If Argentina wins decisively again, is Cheika in the beginnings of a rugby revolution in the country? Or, if Scotland wins, does it prove that it can be a threat on the road despite the absence of its top players?