Scotland's rugby team faced a heart-wrenching defeat against Argentina in the Quilter Nations Series 2025, leaving fans and critics alike questioning their ability to close out games against top-tier opponents. But here's where it gets controversial: after leading 21-0, the Scots collapsed in the final 25 minutes, conceding five tries to lose 33-24. This isn’t just a loss—it’s a missed opportunity to secure a top-six world ranking ahead of the RWC2027 draw. And this is the part most people miss: Scotland’s inability to find that ‘killer instinct’ against elite teams is becoming a recurring theme, with last week’s near-miss against New Zealand still fresh in memory.
This defeat at Murrayfield, their first to Argentina there since 2009, feels like a step backward. Even a win against Tonga next Sunday won’t salvage their ranking hopes. So, how did the players fare in this rollercoaster of a match? Let’s break it down, starting with the man who saw plenty of action early on.
15. Blair Kinghorn (6)
Kinghorn was a central figure in the first half, showcasing his long-range skills and handling most high balls with confidence. However, he struggled to break free and earned a team yellow card in the 54th minute for repeated infringements as Scotland scrambled to recover from an intercepted pass. A mixed performance that highlights the team’s broader struggles.
14. Darcy Graham (7)
Celebrating his 50th cap, Graham burst into space early with a slick pass from Hutchinson, though his reverse pass was knocked down, earning Pumas full-back Mallia a yellow card. His defensive efforts were standout, including a crucial man-and-ball tackle on Matteo Carreras that forced a turnover. A player who consistently delivers under pressure.
13. Rory Hutchinson (7)
Following a strong showing against the All Blacks, Hutchinson again combined well with Tuipulotu in midfield. His pass to release Graham early in the game was a highlight, and he led the team in carries (13) before being replaced by Van der Merwe after 64 minutes. A class act in attack.
12. Sione Tuipulotu (5.5)
Tuipulotu’s big tackle in Scotland’s 22 prevented an early Argentina try, and his line speed anchored the defense for the first hour. However, he wasn’t as involved in the attack as needed and couldn’t steer the team through the disastrous final quarter. A solid but unspectacular performance.
11. Kyle Steyn (6.5)
Denied an early try by Argentina’s scrambling defense, Steyn wasn’t his usual dominant self in the air, dropping a couple of high balls. He made vital defensive interventions and moved to outside centre for the final 16 minutes, though he couldn’t prevent Matera’s try. A valiant effort in a losing cause.
10. Finn Russell (6)
Russell’s passing range was on full display early, setting up Dempsey for the opening try. However, a floated long pass to Steyn, when Scotland was poised for a fourth try, was intercepted, leading to Argentina’s first try and a momentum shift. His kicking was flawless, but that one mistake will be hard to forget. Is Russell’s risk-taking a strength or a liability? Let us know in the comments.
9. Jamie Dobie (6.5)
A late call-up after Ben White’s illness, Dobie was neat and tidy in his service, giving Russell time to play. His passing speed and length were impressive, and he set up both of Ashman’s tries. Some box-kicks were overhit, but his sniping runs added a spark.
1. Pierre Schoeman (7.5)
Schoeman’s energy was relentless, as always, with hard carries and 19 tackles. His scrummaging was strong, earning a penalty, though he conceded one for not rolling away. A workhorse who never stops giving.
2. Ewan Ashman (8)
Quiet early, Ashman came alive in the second quarter, scoring two brilliant tries. His first came from a sharp angle, bursting through two tacklers, while his second involved an initial bust and offload to Schoeman. With 12 Test tries, he’s now Scotland’s leading forward try-scorer. A standout performance.
3. D’Arcy Rae (6)
Rae had a busy first half-hour, carrying into traffic, making a neat tip-on pass, and contributing six tackles. He held his own at the scrum but limped off after 32 minutes with an offside penalty conceded. A solid effort cut short.
4. Scott Cummings (7)
Cummings was a towering presence, carrying hard and showing soft hands in attack. He led the tackle count with 24 and took his share of lineout ball. A player who’s becoming increasingly vital to Scotland’s pack.
5. Grant Gilchrist (6)
Gilchrist’s grafting shift included 20 tackles and efficient lineout management before being replaced by Bayliss in the 72nd minute. A reliable veteran performance.
6. Gregor Brown (5)
Brown’s game was cut short after just seven minutes due to an HIA, leaving little to evaluate. A promising start that ended too soon.
7. Rory Darge (5.5)
Returning from injury, Darge gave the back row balance with an important pilfer in Scotland’s 22 and 19 tackles. However, he couldn’t stem the late breakdown tide. A decent return but room for improvement.
8. Jack Dempsey (6.5)
Dempsey powered onto Russell’s pass for his second Scotland try and carried hard throughout. His defensive effort was immense, with 23 tackles, though he wasn’t as influential as against New Zealand. A player who leaves everything on the field.
Replacements:
- George Turner (N/A): Little impact in his 10 minutes on the field.
- Nathan McBeth (N/A): Didn’t leave the bench.
- Elliot Millar Millas (6): Replaced Rae after 32 minutes, adding energy in the loose and contributing to a strong scrummaging unit. Made 12 tackles in a solid display.
- Josh Bayliss (N/A): On for the final eight minutes, with little time to make an impression.
- Matt Fagerson (5): Replaced Brown early, focusing mainly on defense with 18 tackles but lacking impact in attack.
- George Horne (N/A): Stayed on the bench.
- Tom Jordan (N/A): Replaced Graham for the final minute.
- Duhan van der Merwe (4): Given 16 minutes after being omitted against New Zealand, he made no notable impact. Is Van der Merwe’s form a cause for concern? Share your thoughts below.
Scotland’s defeat raises bigger questions about their ability to close out games against elite teams. With the RWC2027 draw looming, they’ll need to find answers—and fast. What do you think is holding Scotland back? Let’s debate it in the comments!
