Scotland's rugby showdown against Argentina ended in a heart-wrenching 33-24 defeat, leaving fans and critics alike dissecting every moment. But here's where it gets controversial: was Finn Russell’s ‘mad minute’ the turning point, or did Argentina simply outsmart a team grappling with its own maverick genius? Let’s dive into the player ratings and uncover the moments that defined this thrilling yet frustrating match.
15 Blair Kinghorn: While not his worst performance, Kinghorn showed improvement from his All Blacks game. He was a consistent threat in attack, though he never truly broke free. A costly yellow card in the second half, arguably undeserved, marred an otherwise solid display. Rating: 6
14 Darcy Graham: Graham’s love affair with playing Argentina continues—his November 2022 hat-trick still echoes. Though he didn’t score this time, his ball-handling was nothing short of electrifying. Rating: 8
13 Rory Hutchinson: Finally getting a consistent run at the international level, Hutchinson is proving his worth. His silky playmaking and seamless link-up with Tuipulotu were highlights. Rating: 7
12 Sione Tuipulotu: Despite some powerful moments, Tuipulotu wasn’t as dominant as usual. Argentina’s midfield combination effectively neutralized his impact, though he fought hard throughout. Rating: 6
11 Kyle Steyn: Steyn had his moments, and Scotland’s back three remained a constant threat. However, he didn’t shine as brightly as his counterpart, Darcy Graham. Rating: 7
10 Finn Russell: For 50 minutes, Russell was sublime. His no-look pass for Jack Dempsey’s try was pure magic, reminiscent of his 2019 Twickenham heroics. But then came the ‘mad minute’—a poor pass intercepted, and the game shifted. Russell’s genius is undeniable, but his overconfidence can be his downfall. And this is the part most people miss: Is his risk-taking worth the occasional costly error? 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. He was omnipresent, but his efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide. Rating: 7
7 Rory Darge: Like Dempsey, Darge gave it his all, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Rating: 7
6 Gregor Brown: Replaced early by Matt Fagerson, Brown’s impact was minimal. Rating: N/A
5 Grant Gilchrist: Gilchrist’s leadership was evident as he marshaled a smooth lineout and remained active throughout. His absence in the latter stages was felt. Rating: 6
4 Scott Cummings: Another stellar performance from Cummings. His lineout work and powerful carries made him a key figure until Argentina took control. Rating: 7
3 D’arcy Rae: Rae stepped up admirably in Zander Fagerson’s absence, holding his own against both the All Blacks and Los Pumas. Rating: 6
2 Ewan Ashman: Arguably Ashman’s best performance for Scotland. The talented hooker scored twice and was a physical force, while also excelling in the set-piece. Rating: 8
1 Pierre Schoeman: Schoeman’s scrum dominance was impressive, but Argentina nullified its impact in the second half. Rating: 7
Replacements: Fagerson and Elliot Millar-Mills had their moments, but coach Townsend’s reluctance to utilize the bench proved costly as momentum shifted. Rating: 4
Thought-provoking question: Is Scotland’s reliance on maverick players like Finn Russell a strength or a liability? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
