Scotland's World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after Gregor Townsend's team imploded against Argentina, their second autumn loss. The visitors' stunning comeback was a brutal reminder that Scotland's soft underbelly remains a concern, despite some improvements in recent games.
Murrayfield was shell-shocked as the Pumas staged an epic recovery to lose by nine points. The defeat will leave Townsend and his team reeling, with questions over their inability to close out games when ahead.
Scotland had looked the more composed side for most of the match, constructing three excellent tries that put them 21-0 up at one stage. However, they extended an unnecessary hand to help Argentina back into the contest through Finn Russell's long looping pass and Blair Kinghorn's sending off for illegally halting a Pumas attack.
Argentina's Santiago Carreras was the hero of this comeback, popping up in every attack and inspiring his team to move through the gears as Scotland struggled to cope with the momentum shift. The visitors scored four tries in an astonishing 18-minute spell that left Scotland powerless to wrestle back control.
Townsend cut a disconsolate figure at full-time, admitting it simply was not good enough and that his team failed to handle the momentum swing. This is the same issue that has plagued Scotland for years - the inability to close out games when ahead.
The head coach rejects the suggestion that his team lacks mentality required to win big games, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Two crucial World Cup pool games against Ireland in 2019 and 2023 remain fresh in his mind, with Scotland crumbling under pressure at such times.
Townsend's contract was extended to lead Scotland through the 2027 World Cup in Australia, but it remains to be seen if this side can take that next step. Fans who booed their team from the Murrayfield pitch will feel entitled to wonder: will that next step ever be taken? And could someone else do better?
Murrayfield was shell-shocked as the Pumas staged an epic recovery to lose by nine points. The defeat will leave Townsend and his team reeling, with questions over their inability to close out games when ahead.
Scotland had looked the more composed side for most of the match, constructing three excellent tries that put them 21-0 up at one stage. However, they extended an unnecessary hand to help Argentina back into the contest through Finn Russell's long looping pass and Blair Kinghorn's sending off for illegally halting a Pumas attack.
Argentina's Santiago Carreras was the hero of this comeback, popping up in every attack and inspiring his team to move through the gears as Scotland struggled to cope with the momentum shift. The visitors scored four tries in an astonishing 18-minute spell that left Scotland powerless to wrestle back control.
Townsend cut a disconsolate figure at full-time, admitting it simply was not good enough and that his team failed to handle the momentum swing. This is the same issue that has plagued Scotland for years - the inability to close out games when ahead.
The head coach rejects the suggestion that his team lacks mentality required to win big games, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Two crucial World Cup pool games against Ireland in 2019 and 2023 remain fresh in his mind, with Scotland crumbling under pressure at such times.
Townsend's contract was extended to lead Scotland through the 2027 World Cup in Australia, but it remains to be seen if this side can take that next step. Fans who booed their team from the Murrayfield pitch will feel entitled to wonder: will that next step ever be taken? And could someone else do better?
I mean, have you seen Scotland's games for years? They always seem to get knocked off course when they're ahead. It's like they're stuck in some sort of ruts. They were up 21-0 and then what happens? They just gift the other team the ball back and watch them come back at 'em. I remember that Ireland game in 2019, same thing - Scotland was cruising and then... boom! They just can't seem to close out games when it matters most. 
And now this one against Argentina? It's like they're stuck in some sort of pattern and I don't know if anyone's gonna break it for 'em. 
. scotland just gifted them the game away, it's so frustrating to watch sometimes. gregor townsend needs to work on his team's ability to see out games and not give teams like argie second chances 
. they had it in the bag but just kept dropping the ball. i'm still trying to process what happened lol 
Scotland's rugby team is giving me major anxiety! 
I mean, they're so close to greatness but can't seem to wrap it up when ahead. It's like, okay guys, you got this... nope 
. The Pumas came out of nowhere and totally turned the game around. And what was with that sendoff? 
. I mean, the guy's trying but Scotland just can't seem to close out games. It's like they're all "Hey we're ahead, now let's go out there and lose it" 
. 
Only time will tell... but I'm keeping my fingers crossed! 
they just need to buckle down and close out games when they're in the lead. It's so frustrating for fans who are just trying to support their team 
. Can't keep relying on the same old tactics and expecting a different outcome 
. And btw, who does Kinghorn think he is, sending off his own teammate? 
they literally just gave up after being 21-0 down and then scored 4 tries in like 18 min?? 
how r scotland supposed 2 cope w/ that momentum shift?? 
fans deserve better 
They need to work on handling momentum shifts better. And yeah, Blair Kinghorn's red card didn't help. That's just a major penalty. 
I mean, I get it, Argentina were incredible in that comeback and all, but Scotland just can't seem to close out games when ahead. It's like they're waiting for someone else to take charge, you feel? 
The problem is, we've seen this before, especially under Gregor Townsend, and it's always the same - Scotland gets on top, then loses the plot. Can they ever get that next step right? 
i love santiago carreras by the way he's like a superhero on the pitch 
scotland's always been one of those teams that just can't close out games when ahead and it's really frustrating to watch sometimes 
️ think scotland need a complete overhaul or somethin 
. It was like the whole sky turned pink and orange and it was so peaceful. I started thinking about how much I love traveling and trying new things, even if it's just a quick drive to a nearby lake or something. And that got me thinking about how travel can be so inspiring and good for your life... anyway, back to rugby