Argentina defeat Scotland in first home test in almost three years

Monday, 4 July 2022 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SAN JUJUY (Reuters): Argentina celebrated their first home test in almost three years with a close-fought 26-18 victory over Scotland at the Estadio 23 de Agosto on Saturday.

The home side outscored the tourists three tries to two but failed to capitalise on a strong first-half showing, and an 18-6 halftime advantage, as Scotland fought their way back into the contest, only to let it slip.

Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago Carreras and Gonzalo Bertranou crossed over for Argentina while Matt Bennett and Rory Hutchinson were Scotland’s try scorers in the first of a three-test series.

Nicolas Sanchez kicked over two penalties, before going off early with a muscle tear, with Emiliano Boffelli adding a penalty and conversion for Argentina.

Blair Kinghorn was successful with two penalties and a conversion for Scotland.

Argentina host Scotland in Salta in the second test on Saturday, followed by a third in Santiago del Estero on 16 July.