Scotland’s rugby fans were left stunned on Sunday after a heart-wrenching 33-24 defeat to Argentina in Edinburgh. But here's where it gets controversial: was it Finn Russell’s ‘mad minute’ or Argentina’s tactical brilliance that truly turned the tide? Let’s dive into the player ratings and dissect what went down on the pitch.
15 Blair Kinghorn: While not his worst performance, Kinghorn showed improvement from his previous outing against the All Blacks. He was a constant threat in attack, though he never quite broke free. A costly yellow card in the second half, arguably not his fault, left fans wondering what could have been. Rating: 6
14 Darcy Graham: Graham’s love affair with playing Argentina continued, even if he didn’t replicate his 2022 hat-trick. His ball-carrying was nothing short of electrifying, keeping the opposition on their toes. Rating: 8
13 Rory Hutchinson: Finally getting consistent game time, Hutchinson is proving his worth. His silky playmaking and seamless link-up with Tuipulotu showcased his growing international pedigree. Rating: 7
12 Sione Tuipulotu: Despite some powerful moments, Tuipulotu wasn’t as dominant as usual. Argentina’s midfield duo effectively neutralized his impact, though his hard carries were still a highlight. Rating: 6
11 Kyle Steyn: Steyn had his moments, but he didn’t shine as brightly as his fellow winger, Graham. Still, his contributions kept Scotland’s back three a constant threat. Rating: 7
10 Finn Russell: For 50 minutes, Russell was the maestro Scotland needed. His no-look pass for Jack Dempsey’s try was pure genius, reminiscent of his 2019 Twickenham heroics. But here’s where it gets controversial: a single ‘mad minute’—a poor pass intercepted—changed everything. Russell’s overconfidence, a double-edged sword, left fans frustrated yet appreciative of his game-winning potential. Rating: 4
9 Jamie Dobie: Stepping in for the ill Ben White, Dobie seized his opportunity. His sharp service, solid decision-making, and precise kicking kept Argentina on the back foot. Rating: 7
8 Jack Dempsey: Dempsey’s explosive run for Scotland’s opening try was a highlight. His work rate was impeccable, though it wasn’t enough to secure victory. Rating: 7
7 Rory Darge: Like Dempsey, Darge gave his all, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. His efforts were commendable in a losing cause. Rating: 7
6 Gregor Brown: Replaced early by Matt Fagerson, Brown’s impact was minimal. Rating: N/A
5 Grant Gilchrist: Gilchrist’s leadership and smooth lineout execution were vital. His absence in the latter stages was keenly felt. Rating: 6
4 Scott Cummings: Cummings was outstanding, dominating the lineout and making influential carries. His performance was a bright spot until Argentina took control. Rating: 7
3 D’arcy Rae: Rae stepped up admirably in Zander Fagerson’s absence, holding his own against the All Blacks and Los Pumas before an early exit. Rating: 6
2 Ewan Ashman: Arguably Ashman’s best performance for Scotland, the hooker scored twice and was a physical force throughout. His set-piece accuracy was top-notch. Rating: 8
1 Pierre Schoeman: Schoeman’s scrum dominance looked game-changing at times, but Argentina nullified his impact in the second half. Rating: 7
Replacements: Fagerson and Elliot Millar-Mills had their moments, but coach Townsend’s reluctance to use the bench proved costly. And this is the part most people miss: Scotland’s final half-hour was a tactical misstep, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Controversy Alert: Did Russell’s overconfidence cost Scotland the game, or did Argentina simply outsmart them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
