Vern Cotter: Scotland need to improve against Argentina

Stuart Hogg tries to escape two Canadians during Scotland's win in Toronto

Scotland will have to perform better to earn a positive result on Friday against Argentina, says head coach Vern Cotter.

The Scots were fortunate to beat Canada 19-17 in Toronto on Saturday in the second Test of their summer tour.

"It's a positive result; we won. We'll probably have a good look at the way we won," said Cotter, 52.

"We're not going to say that if we play and execute at the same level that we will get the same result."

He added: "We're well aware of what we need to do."

The tourists struggled to impose themselves and were guilty of some poor handling after lock Grant Gilchrist's first international try, with captain Greig Laidlaw and Stuart Hogg adding 14 points with kicks as Cotter's side followed up their 24-6 victory over USA on 8 June.

Scottish flanker Alasdair Strokosch left the field on a stretcher with a neck injury in the first half and Kelly Brown and Moray Low were replaced early in the second period.

"I'm probably, at the moment, more concerned about the injuries we had, players that we lost," explained Cotter. "We've got another two games to go on this tour and the review content will be interesting on Monday.

"What we're seeing is players at the end of their season. They're tired, they've had a long year and we're obviously going to get injuries. It's difficult times for northern hemisphere teams.

"It was a game, once again, where we probably had a few opportunities and probably could've used them a little bit better but, in saying that, we won. To be able to scratch through and get the win is important. It gives us a little confidence."

The New Zealander had selected two squads for the summer tour - one for the North American leg and one for the Tests against the Pumas and South Africa.

Following the Argentina game the Scots then finish their tour with a meeting with the Springboks on 28 June.

"We now have to put a team together," added Cotter.

"As long as I can get 15 players on the paddock next week, I think it will be important for the growth of this group.

"We'll use the review of this match against Canada to show as examples.

"The players that we have used have won two games. They can now go home, they can have a rest, which will be essential, and prepare for next year and we'll get another group, hopefully the majority of them freshened up.

"That'll be important for the next game against Argentina."