SALTA, Argentina: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend expects a much improved performance from his proteges when they face Argentina in their second test on Saturday after being beaten in the opener last weekend.
Scotland lost 26-18 in San Salvador de Jujuy and must win in Salta to maintain their chances of winning the three-Test series.
“It’s like a cup semi-final and we have to make sure we put our game there,” Townsend said at a press conference on Thursday.
“We didn’t do that over the weekend. We were frustrated with the performance and the mistakes we made.
Scotland were barely in the game in the first half, but two quick tries after the break tied them, only for them to let the result slip away.
“We want to improve, that’s what we focus on. This tour is about a number of things: seeing a group of players come together for four weeks, giving players an opportunity and winning the series, but we’ve made it harder for ourselves now by not winning the first test.” added Townsend.
The coach said the tour was an important step in preparations for next year’s World Cup.
“This tour is about learning more about the band and learning about who becomes the leader, how they do and thrive when they’re together for four or five weeks, and also how they perform in games.
“And there will be opportunities for players on Saturday and again next week.”
The third test will take place in Santiago del Estero on July 16.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Clare Fallon)