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Scotland player ratings vs Argentina | 3rd Test July 2022
Scotland let a 15-point lead and a potential series victory slip away inside the final half hour as
Argentina claimed a dramatic win in Santiago Del Estero.
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Edinburgh wing Emiliano Boffelli scored the winner in injury time to complete a dramatic comeback.
Scotland had taken control despite a slow start, with Rory Darge outstanding once more and with Blair Kinghorn showing some flashes.
Duhan van der Merwe and Ewan Ashman, the latter on his first start for Scotland, crossed for two tries apiece, but Gregor Townsend’s side made too many errors in the final half hour as they handed the initiative to the hosts.
Here’s how Scotland’s players rated.
15. Ollie Smith – 6
The young Glasgow man showed nice touches as he settled into his first cap, but opportunities didn’t really come his way to attack thereafter. Caught guarding the wrong side of the ruck from which Bertranou scored.
What a thrilling end to the game ? Argentina really showed their heart ? pic.twitter.com/VPVetmIWQR
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 16, 2022
14. Rufus McLean – 5
Chased kicks all afternoon, but another who didn’t get too many chances with ball in hand.
13. Mark Bennett – 7
It’s been a good tour for Edinburgh’s Olympic silver medallist. Some lovely touches, including a thunderous early carry. Hit a beautiful line to put Scotland on the front foot shortly after Ashman’s second try. Gave away a silly penalty shortly after that led to the try for Tetaz Chaparro and unable to stop Bertranou crossing, but his mates should’ve been more switched on.
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12. Sione Tuipulotu – 6.5
Heavily involved early on with some powerful carries, giving Scotland a focal point, and defensively Scotland’s midfield looked solid.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 7.5
Went looking for work more again this week and showed his power to crash through the Pumas and score two more international tries.
. @duhanvdmerwe once again insists on scoring another try ?
That's 12 in 19 Tests by our count ?#ARGvSCO | Credit: @SkySportsRugby pic.twitter.com/vRkJqPxrHk
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 16, 2022
10. Blair Kinghorn – 6.5
Of his four Test starts at fly-half, this was by far the most promising. Played a key role in the
opening score as he took the ball to the line before offloading to van der Merwe, and recognised
space for Ashman’s second. But he wasn’t able to close the game out and was shunted to
fullback.
9. Ali Price – 6
Another mixed bag wasn’t what the Lion was after given Ben White’s impressive showing last week. Controlled Scotland’s attack well for the most part, but a loose kick allowed the hosts in for their first try, and his wayward box kick gave them a position from which they completed the comeback.
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1. Rory Sutherland – 5
Came off the bench in the first Test but handed a start. Didn’t get as much ball to carry as he’d like and looks short of the form that saw him a Lion 12 months ago. That said, he didn’t do much wrong.
2. Ewan Ashman – 7.5
His first Scotland start marked with two vital tries, one from a maul and the other a supreme finish out wide. However the lineout wobbled again.
3. Zander Fagerson – 7
Asked to go the distance on his 50th cap. Threw himself into everything, and recovered well from conceding an early scrum penalty. Turned the tide at the set-piece after the Pumas emptied their bench.
4. Scott Cummings – 6.5
Won good lineout ball for Ashman’s first try and a good choke tackle to stop the Pumas’ attack. Carries with power and pace.
5. Jonny Gray – 6.5
Back in after missing last weekend, the Exeter man was looking for work and made a couple of
deft early offloads. Gets through so much unseen work.
6. Rory Darge – 8
Outstanding last weekend and backed it up with another excellent showing. Didn’t deserve to lose. Won a trademark turnover penalty early on. He and Watson look a terrific duo and with Ritchie to return, it’s an area of great depth for Scotland.
7. Hamish Watson – 7.5
The Edinburgh man put in another hugely physical showing. Took the game to his illustrious back-row opponents. Should’ve taken the points when on offer with 10 minutes to go.
8. Matt Fagerson – 8
Marked his 24th birthday with a typically industrious display. Almost always beats the first man with ball in hand and another unlucky to be on the losing side.
Replacements
16. Dave Cherry – 6.5
Some big hits with the home side threatening Scotland’s line late on. However, his introduction for the final half-hour didn’t sort out the lineout wobbles.
17. Pierre Schoeman – 6.5
Scotland’s scrum got on top after his introduction. A couple of no-nonsense carries.
18. Javan Sebastian – N/A
Unused.
19. Glen Young – 7
The 27-year-old wasted no time in getting involved after replacing Cummings to make his debut.
20. Andy Christie -N/A
Replaced the skipper for the closing stages, but no real time to make an impact.
21. George Horne – N/A
Didn’t get on.
22. Ross Thompson – N/A
Replaced Smith for the final six minutes to see the game out.
23. Sam Johnson – N/A
A try scorer last weekend, unused this time.
Comments on RugbyPass
After missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
10 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
10 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
10 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
10 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
10 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to comments