Stunning Pumas Fightback Shatters Scottish Hopes at Murrayfield
In one of the most dramatic collapses in recent rugby memory, Scotland surrendered a commanding 21-0 lead to suffer a devastating 33-24 defeat against Argentina at a stunned Murrayfield. Gregor Townsend's side appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory before a spectacular second-half implosion allowed the Pumas to score five tries in the final 23 minutes, securing a record comeback for Argentina in Test rugby.
The Perfect Storm: How the Collapse Unfolded
The match began as a typical Finn Russell masterclass, with the Scottish fly-half's brilliance cutting Argentina open during a dominant first half. His creativity engineered the opening try, feinting to pass before popping a short ball to Jack Dempsey, who carved through the defence. The momentum continued with two superbly taken tries by hooker Ewan Ashman, overpowering a Pumas side that had been reduced to 14 men after Juan Cruz Mallía received a yellow card.
Scotland reached halftime with a comfortable 15-0 advantage and extended it to 21-0 soon after the break when Ashman thundered over for his second try, converted by Russell. At this stage, Argentina appeared woeful, having created almost nothing and missed two long-range penalties.
The Turning Point: Russell's Costly Error
The game's momentum shifted decisively following a loose pass from Finn Russell as Scotland pushed for what would have been a match-sealing score. The ball bounced free and was seized by Argentine hands, sparking a sequence that saw Agustín Moyano scorch down the wing before kicking inside for Mateo Carreras. The resulting pressure led to a yellow card for Blair Kinghorn, reducing Scotland to 14 men.
Argentina captain Julián Montoya immediately capitalised, choosing a scrum from the penalty and forcing himself over the line. This began the remarkable fightback, with six replacements made in one hit by head coach Felipe Contempomi proving instrumental. Santi Carreras, freshly on the pitch, became the architect of the comeback with his perceptive offloads and game management.
Irresistible Pumas Complete Historic Turnaround
With Murrayfield growing increasingly anxious, Argentina smelled blood. Rodrigo Isgró powered over, followed by Pedro Rubiolo with just 10 minutes remaining, transforming a 21-0 deficit into a tense five-point game at 24-19. The Pumas became irresistible, with Pablo Matera barging over from close range to put Argentina ahead for the first time.
Santi Carreras converted the decisive try after a TMO check, fittingly rewarding the Bath player for orchestrating the stunning revival. The comeback was sealed when replacement Justo Piccardo scored Argentina's fifth and final try, being smothered by ecstatic teammates as Murrayfield fell into stunned silence.
The result represents nothing short of a disaster for Scotland, who had been hoping to build momentum ahead of their autumn internationals. For Argentina, it completes a remarkable fortnight following their 52-point demolition of Wales in Cardiff, demonstrating their growing threat in world rugby. The nature of this record comeback victory will be particularly painful for Scottish fans, who have become accustomed to disappointment generated by inaccuracy and uncertainty, but this collapse was considerably more painful than most.
