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Scotland player ratings vs Argentina | 2nd Test July 2022
By Gavin Harper
Like the rest of the home nations, Scotland ensured this three-match series would go to a decider next weekend with a much-improved performance in Salta.
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There was a lot of huffing and puffing in the first half before the visitors broke clear through Hamish Watson on his 50th cap.
Three more tries followed in an excellent second half performance at the Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena.
Here is our take on how the tourists performed.
15. Rory Hutchinson – 6
Unable to get involved in Scotland’s attack as much as he usually does for Northampton. Forced off injured just before half-time.
14. Darcy Graham – 7.5
Outrageous high ball take nearly put his wing colleague away.
13. Mark Bennett – 7.5
Not many opportunities in the first half, but an outstanding line to score for the second game running. An excellent strip on Boffelli late on. Has really put his hand up the past fortnight.
12. Sam Johnson – 7
The Scottish midfield was sloppy in the first half, but the Glasgow man hit some lovely lines – including one for his try that sealed the win.
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11. Duhan van der Merwe – 7.5
Got on the ball inside the opening minute, and an important tackle when Carreras broke through. Nearly scored, but got to stay in field.
10. Blair Kinghorn – 6.5
Another disappointing showing and the jury will be very much out on his international future at fly-half. Struggled to get Scotland’s strike moves going with some sloppy passing. Looked much better when he shifted to fullback and made two important defensive interventions.
9. Ben White – 8
Really sharp on his first international start. A lovely snipe put Bennett away and another directly led to Fagerson’s try.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 7.5
Outstanding footwork in the run-up to Bennett’s try. Scotland’s most regular source of front-foot ball.
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2. Dave Cherry – 6.5
One of the men brought into the side after a shaky set-piece performance last weekend. However, the lineout wobbled again. Nevertheless, the Edinburgh man added his weight to a much-improved scrum.
3. Zander Fagerson – 7.5
After struggling last weekend, he got dominance at the scrum. Also cut out the jersey pulling and put his energy to better use with ball in hand. A mature showing.
4. Sam Skinner – 7
In for Jonny Gray, he worked hard and offered more in the loose. Standout moments included piling into Bertranou on the hosts’ line and a choke tackle early in the second period. A regular source of lineout ball too.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 6.5
Another hard working performance, but not quite at his best. Scotland’s captain also runs their lineout and will be disappointed with its shortcomings. He also gave away a needless early penalty that let Boffelli level the scores early on.
6. Rory Darge – 8.5
Outstanding, all action performance on his return. A strong early carry set the tone for his performance, a couple of turnover penalties and led the carrying charge for the tourists’ second try. Also prevented Carreras from scoring with a last-ditch effort.
7. Hamish Watson – 8
Back fron injury, the Edinburgh man marked his 50th cap with a trademark all-action display, capped with a vital first-half try. Also a threat at the breakdown and put in a power of work before making way with the game won.
8. Matt Fagerson – 7.5
A well-taken first international try the highlight of another solid performance. Not the biggest international no. 8 but always makes good ground. An excellent jackal penalty late on too as the Pumas hunted a consolation.
Replacements
16. George Turner – 6
On for Cherry on 55 minutes, but his first lineout – an area he struggled in last week – was stolen. Redeemed himself somewhat with a clever pick and go that gave Scotland front foot ball before Johnson’s try.
17. Jamie Bhatti – 6
The Glasgow man with a huge scrum penalty in the shadows of his own posts.
18. Javan Sebastian – 6
Scotland didn’t have much ball after he came on, but the Scarlets man continued where Fagerson left off at the scrum.
19. Scott Cummings – 6
Recalled to the side and got the final 15 minutes, replacing the captain. Some good hits as Argentina looked for a second try.
20. Andy Christie – 5
The Saracens man wasn’t really able to get into the game after he replaced Watson to win his second cap for final 10 minutes.
21. Ali Price – 6.5
Took over from the impressive White for the final 25 minutes and captained the side when Gilchrist and Watson left. Showed good leadership when Argentina piled on pressure.
22. Ross Thompson – 6
First task after replacing injured Rowe was to knock over a conversion. Some good touches before he landed another.
23. Kyle Rowe – 5
A short-lived debut. Won a good jackal penalty shortly after coming on but kicked loosely that nearly led to an Argentina try.
