SALTA, Argentina: The Scottish forwards laid the foundations for a 29-6 landslide victory over Argentina in Saturday’s second Test in Salta much to the delight of coach Gregor Townsend.
Strong individual performances in the field not only helped Scotland level the series, after limping in the first Test, but they also prevented Argentina’s vaunted attack from scoring in a fierce defensive display .
Two of Scotland’s four tries have come from loose forwards Hamish Watson, marking his 50th cap, and Matt Fagerson.
“Our free-kick, especially our scrum and maul, was solid. We didn’t always win the penalty shoot-out, but I felt we had an advantage in those two areas and that gives the rest of the game a psychological boost. ‘team,” Townsend told reporters. .
“The Argentine defense was more scattered at times which prevented us from playing a wider game in the first half. We became more direct in the second half and this was rewarded by our attackers but also by our crosses which worked hard.”
Scotland’s other two tries came from the central duo of Mark Bennett and Sam Johnson.
“It was a big step up from last week,” Townsend said of the 26-18 loss at San Salvador de Jujuy in the first Test.
“I’m really happy with the response, the character that was presented and, in particular, the way we defended our try line.
“We know Argentina could have scored a try or two, but the effort to collect and dislodge the ball is a big part of our DNA, so it was great to see.”
The Scottish manager has warned there is more to come from his side, which are running without regulars like captain Stuart Hogg, mercurial fly-half Finn Russell and solid center Chris Harris – all of whom were British Lions and Irish last year.
“There’s a lot of unity in the team, it’s a group that cares about each other and plays for their country,” added Townsend.
“We knew we would have an answer this week. The way the players trained, how determined they were to improve.
“We are scratching the surface with this performance, we will work to bring our best performance next week.”
The last test will take place on Saturday in Santiago del Estero.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)