Preview: Scotland vs Argentina
Posted on | November 26, 2009 | No Comments
As the Autumn International series draws to an end, Scotland will take on Argentina seeking a clean sweep. After an expected victory against Fiji and a completely unexpected victory against the Australians who were themselves seeking a Grand Slam, the Argentines, I feel, present Scotland’s greatest challenge.
Against Fiji Scotland were expected to win. Against Australia Scotland were expected to compete and not capitulate. That they actually won the contest is not much more than a Lottery scratch card win – now that they’ve done it once, we now expect them to do it every time. They won’t.
In Argentina Scotland face a team that on paper is pretty much like for like. Sure the IRB rankings suggest differently, but Argentina’s ascent to fourth in the World came off the back of a superb run in the last World Cup, and since then they’ve lost a few matches, including one home test against Scotland and the recent defeat to England.
A team that thrives on quality ball from the set piece Argentina are currently missing Juan Martin Hernandez – my nominee for Best Player in the World – and Felipe Contepomi and therefore lack much invention once they’ve won the ball. Sound familiar?
Scotland have re-arranged the back division for this match. Thom Evans comes in on the wing for Danielli, a switch I mentioned previously and one which I favour, despite Danielli playing as well as every other member of the squad against Australia. Robinson has also moved Cairns to 13 and Grove to 12, a move I hadn’t considered before, but one which I like the look of very much. I guess that’s why Mr Robinson has an office at Murrayfield and I just wish I had an office at Murrayfield. Grove, with his pace, jackhammer defence and accurate handling can play the “Second five-eighth” role the New Zealanders employ, whilst Cairns – if he plays with his usual terrier-like enthusiasm – could make a real nuisance of himself out wide. The Lamonts will be, I am certain, the Lamonts and that’s something all Scots can look forward to. I just hope this week – as much as I admire and am a fan of Chris Paterson – that Andy Robinson keeps Rory Lamont on for the eighty.
Up front Alan MacDonald makes his debut in the back row – I can only assume John Barclay is injured – so congratulations to him, and Chris Cusiter returns from what seemed a certain concussion to lead the side again and link pack and backs. A significant plus for Scotland, but credit where it’s due to Rory Lawson who left the pine to play magnificently for an hour against Australia. And he’s our third choice scrum-half! I bet Martin Johnson is jealous.
I would hope that Scotland can win this one comfortably, but things are rarely comfortable at Murrayfield. I hope also that the conditions allow both teams to play some rugby – something that despite the joy of two Scottish wins has been missing from Murrayfield this Autumn.
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