Scotland’s rugby showdown against Argentina ended in a heart-wrenching 33-24 defeat, leaving fans and critics alike dissecting every moment. But here’s where it gets controversial: was Finn Russell’s ‘mad minute’ the turning point, or did Argentina simply outsmart a team grappling with its own maverick genius? Let’s dive into the player ratings and uncover the moments that defined this thrilling yet frustrating match.
15 Blair Kinghorn: While not his worst performance, Kinghorn showed improvement from his All Blacks game. He was a consistent threat in attack, though he never truly broke free. A costly yellow card in the second half—not entirely his fault—left a bitter aftertaste. Rating: 6
14 Darcy Graham: Graham’s love affair with playing Argentina continues, even if he didn’t replicate his 2022 hat-trick. His ball-handling was nothing short of electric, keeping the opposition on edge. Rating: 8
13 Rory Hutchinson: Finally getting a consistent run, Hutchinson showcased his playmaking prowess, seamlessly linking with Tuipulotu. His silky moments were a highlight. Rating: 7
12 Sione Tuipulotu: Despite his powerhouse presence, Tuipulotu was somewhat muted by Argentina’s midfield. His hard carries were evident, but he couldn’t dominate as usual. Rating: 6
11 Kyle Steyn: Steyn had his moments, but he didn’t shine as brightly as his wing partner, Graham. Still, a solid performance. Rating: 7
And this is the part most people miss: Finn Russell’s duality as Scotland’s savior and occasional liability. For 50 minutes, he was sublime—his no-look pass for Jack Dempsey’s try was pure magic. But then came the ‘mad minute.’ A poor pass intercepted, and the game shifted. Russell’s overconfidence is both his strength and his Achilles’ heel. Rating: 4
9 Jamie Dobie: Stepping in for Ben White, Dobie impressed with sharp service, smart decisions, and kicking that kept Argentina on the back foot. Rating: 7
8 Jack Dempsey: His explosive try and relentless energy were standout moments, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Rating: 7
7 Rory Darge: Like Dempsey, Darge gave it his all, but the result wasn’t in his favor. Rating: 7
6 Gregor Brown: Replaced early by Matt Fagerson, leaving his impact unassessable. Rating: N/A
5 Grant Gilchrist: A steady presence in the lineout and across the field, his leadership was missed in the closing stages. Rating: 6
4 Scott Cummings: Another stellar performance from Cummings, who dominated the lineout and made impactful carries before Argentina took control. Rating: 7
3 D’arcy Rae: A solid stand-in for Zander Fagerson, Rae held his own against both the All Blacks and Los Pumas. Rating: 6
2 Ewan Ashman: Arguably his best performance for Scotland, Ashman’s two tries and physicality were a masterclass. His set-piece accuracy was flawless. Rating: 8
1 Pierre Schoeman: His scrum dominance looked game-changing early on, but Argentina neutralized his impact. Rating: 7
Replacements: Fagerson and Elliot Millar-Mills had their moments, but Gregor Townsend’s reluctance to use the bench proved costly. Scotland’s final half-hour was a tactical misstep. Rating: 4
Controversial Question: Is Finn Russell’s brilliance worth the risk of his occasional lapses? And did Townsend’s bench strategy cost Scotland the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!