Stunning Pumas Fightback Stuns Murrayfield
In one of the most dramatic collapses in recent rugby memory, Scotland surrendered a commanding 21-0 lead to suffer a painful 24-33 defeat against Argentina at a shell-shocked Murrayfield. Gregor Townsend's side appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory before a spectacular second-half implosion, orchestrated masterfully by Bath's Santi Carreras, saw the Pumas score five unanswered tries in the final 23 minutes.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a story of Scottish dominance. The brilliance of fly-half Finn Russell carved the Argentine defence open repeatedly. A clever feint and short pass from Russell sent Number Eight Jack Dempsey through a gap for the first try, capitalising on a yellow card shown to Argentina's Juan Cruz Mallía.
The home side's control intensified as hooker Ewan Ashman powered over for two superbly taken tries. The first came from a high kick collected by livewire wing Darcy Graham, and the second was a thunderous finish after Scotland clinically exploited a penalty opportunity. With Russell adding the conversions, a 21-0 lead at half-time seemed unassailable.
The Momentum Shifts
The game's pivotal moment arrived soon after the break. With Scotland pushing for a score to bury the game, a loose, extravagant pass from Finn Russell was intercepted, sparking the Argentine revival. Agustín Moyano seized on the opportunity, kicking inside for Mateo Carreras, and the ensuing pressure led to a yellow card for Scotland's Blair Kinghorn.
Argentina captain Julián Montoya immediately capitalised, forcing his way over from a scrum. Suddenly, the Pumas smelled blood. Tries from Rodrigo Isgró and Pedro Rubiolo followed in quick succession, turning a 21-0 deficit into a tense five-point game at 24-19 with ten minutes remaining.
The comeback was sealed when Pablo Matera barged over from close range, with Santi Carreras—the architect of the fightback—slotting the conversion after a TMO check. Replacement Justo Piccardo then applied the final blow, scoring the fifth try to secure a historic victory and leave Murrayfield in a state of disbelief.
This record comeback for Argentina in Test rugby represents nothing short of a disaster for Scotland, generating a familiar feeling of disappointment for the home fans, but this collapse was considerably more painful than most.
