Scottish Rugby

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Murrayfield boos tell a story

It's been quite a while since a Scotland team was booed off the Murrayfield pitch, and it spoke to the strength of feeling from the fans at the capitulation they had just witnessed from their team.

Sione Tuipulotu admitted afterwards that the jeers aimed at the Scotland team were all deserved after they blew a 21-point lead in scarcely believable fashion, but many of those boos would have been directed at Gregor Townsend.

The decision to award the head coach a contract extension in the summer was questioned by many Scotland fans, and this calamitous defeat will only harden the views of those who feel Townsend has taken this team as far as he can.

Pumas punish wobbly Scots

Amidst the wreckage of Scotland's collapse, you have to give credit to Argentina.

For 50 minutes they looked a shadow of the side that, in this calendar year, have beaten the British and Irish Lions, New Zealand, Australia and delivered a record-breaking victory over Wales in Cardiff.

Once they got the scent of a Scottish wobble, however, they were outstanding.

Santiago Carreras was electric off the bench. He inspired a complete transformation of his team, from carrying little threat to creating five tries in a little over 20 minutes.

Scotland played a large part in their own demise, but the Pumas ruthlessly exploited their hosts' meltdown.

Cool heads missing in action

A lack of composure was cited as one of the key reasons for Scotland not getting over the line against the All Blacks, and it was evident again here.

Even in the first few minutes, with Argentina down to 14 men, Scotland played like they were looking for a winning try in the last play rather remaining patient and waiting for the gaps to open up.

In that instance, Finn Russell threw an unnecessary long, looping pass and the chance was lost. It was a similar play from Russell at 21-0 which was intercepted near the Argentina line that sparked the momentum shift.

Fast, frenetic rugby can be Scotland's greatest weapon, but when they have their opponents where they want them, often the cool heads to bring a more pragmatic approach are missing in action.

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Rory Darge says Scotland must accept the "hurt" of their dispiriting loss to Argentina and stop letting sloppy moments define results.

Scotland eased into a 21-0 lead and had a chance on Argentina's line to score a fourth try, but Finn Russell's stray pass allowed the Pumas to race up the other end.

Julian Montoya eventually scored after Blair Kinghorn was sent to the sin-bin, from which Scotland never recovered and lost 33-24.

"That's rugby - it's a dynamic game that involves a lot of skill and you're playing against top opposition," Darge, who started at openside, said.

"If that [missed chance] happens, that cannot then define the rest of the game.

"We obviously need to do our absolute utmost to be more composed in that moment and go on to make it 28-0.

"But you've just got to flush that and move on and go and make the next action positive.

"We need to watch the game back and let it hurt over the next wee while and during the reviews and then quickly the mindset will flip on to Tonga."

We asked for your views after Scotland's calamitous second-half collapse against Argentina.

Here's what some of you said:

John: No leaders on or off the field. They are incapable of reacting to the events on field. After the second Argentina try they should have shut up shop and played keep ball to take the wind out the sails of the Pumas.

Bill: When will the SRU realise that Gregor Townsend is not the man for the job? This Scotland team is demonstrably mentally fragile, and beating England while losing elsewhere simply won't do any longer.

Stuart: The difference between a great team and a good team is now clear. New Zealand (the great team) lead 17-0 but still hold on for the win. Scotland (who are a good team) have a 21-0 lead and manage to lose the game. We just never seem to have that clinical edge to get us through to the end. Not sure it will ever come either, sadly. More hope followed by frustration again this week.

James: I've been in the 'Townsend to stay' camp for a while now, but this autumn has swayed me towards installing Franco Smith as the new national team head coach. His success with Glasgow has shown an ability to retain an attack-driven DNA coupled with an abrasive edge and mental resilience. I'm still a big Townsend fan and he remains our most successful coach ever, but I think Scottish rugby fans will be left to die wondering if we don't make a change while some of our generational talents (such as Finn Russell) are still in their prime.

Jeffrey: After a good first 50 minutes, a completely unnecessary and telegraphed pass from Russell changed the game completely. The reality is Scotland capitulated thereafter and the whole team should hang their heads in shame. Sadly they will not do so because they think they are better than they actually are. Why were George Horne and Tom Jordan left on the bench? It was an exercise in stupidity to put Jordan on immediately after Argentina scored their final try. What was Townsend actually thinking in making that change at that time? For me Townsend needs to be sacked now as he does not have the necessary skills to install a winning mentality in this team. There have been too many capitulations under his command and the SRU hierarchy have demonstrated a lack of leadership by extending Townsend's contract when his record would have led to him being dismissed at any of the major rugby nations.

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Scotland are to begin the Nations Championship event in Argentina, with summer dates away to South Africa and Fiji to follow.

New Zealand, Australia and Japan visit Murrayfield in the second phase of the new tournament in November.

The competition culminates with three double-header fixture days on 27-29 November at London's Allianz Stadium to rank nations and crown the champions.

"The matches next year are very exciting," said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

"We will need to manage the logistics of moving from Argentina to South Africa but it's a challenge that Rugby Championship teams take on every year and will be one we will need to adapt to.

"In November, playing three back-to-back games and then a match to decide our final standing is brilliant. It provides a Rugby World Cup feel and when you add it onto the Six Nations you have a year of fixtures that will have our players excited, and also our supporters."

2026 Nations Championship fixtures

4 July

New Zealand v France

Japan v Italy

South Africa v England

Australia v Ireland

Fiji v Wales

Argentina v Scotland

11 July

New Zealand v Italy

Japan v Ireland

South Africa v Scotland

Australia v France

Fiji v England

Argentina v Wales

18 July

Japan v France

Australia v Italy

South Africa v Wales

New Zealand v Ireland

Fiji v Scotland

Argentina v England

6-8 November

Ireland v Argentina

Scotland v New Zealand

France v Fiji

Italy v South Africa

Wales v Japan

England v Australia

13-15 November

France v South Africa

Wales v New Zealand

Ireland v Fiji

Italy v Argentina

England v Japan

Scotland v Australia

21 November

England v New Zealand

Ireland v South Africa

France v Argentina

Scotland v Japan

Italy v Fiji

Wales v Australia

Finals Weekend

27 November

Sixth-place North v Sixth-place South

Third-place North v Third-place South

28 November

Fifth-place North v Fifth-place South

Second-place North v Second-place South

29 November

Fourth-place North v Fourth-place South

First-place North v First-place South

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend told BBC Scotland: "A lot more disappointing this week than last week."

"We obviously didn't handle that momentum change when we went 21-0 up and had an opportunity to go 28-0 up.

"It flipped I suppose on that moment and it ended up as a penalty and a yellow card under our posts.

"Argentina played really well during that period, carreras off the bench made a big difference for them, and we were on the back foot.

"But it's still disappointing not to see it through as we were still ahead after that yellow-card period."

"I thought on a couple of occasions, we showed good composure, but you need to do it every time because we are playing against a top team.

"After the first five minutes of the second half, it wasn't good enough.

"We know Argentina are a quality side and we built that lead with a good amount of effort and skill, but we needed to see it home and score more points in the second half.

"But we were on the back foot for too long and the discipline, which was mainly about our offsides, gave them field position and opportunities and, in the second half, they took them.

"Credit to Argentina, they put us under pressure and deserved to win in that final quarter.

"What the team showed and how they played, we were 21-0 up against one of the top teams in the world.

"It shows what they are capable of, but the defeat is obviously what we want to look at and how we can get better.

"But it's within these players' hands.

"We have got to pick ourselves up and make sure we give these supporters a good performance against Tonga next week."

Scotland suffered a calamitous second-half collapse against Argentina, falling to two consecutive Autumn Nations losses that ask serious questions of Gregor Townsend's side.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

We asked for your views on Gregor Townsend's decision to start mostly the same XV against Argentina, and how you think Scotland will get on.

Here's what some of you said:

Robert: On past performances against Los Pumas most games have been close, except their last visit to Murrayfield where the Pumas took a pounding. Their style of open rugby seems to suit Scotland's game. I think Scotland can match the Pumas. Probably a win for the Scots by two scores.

Alan: Only one selection I dispute and that is Blair Kinghorn. His defence is not up to standard and Tom Jordan would have been a far better last line of defence. Also Kinghorn has forgotten how to pass and is too much of a glory boy.

Iain: Would have left Kinghorn out, I thought he was poor against the All Blacks. Jordon at full back would have been the only change for me.

Ally: Scotland aren't yet at the top table of international rugby - that's where New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland sit - but they are part of the chasing five including Argentina who are no push-overs. We've had their number in recent times and if Scotland want to be seen as serious players on the rugby world stage then we must win at all costs.

Ian: Hard to argue with basically starting the same team from last week. Another tough game but hopefully a more clinical start to the game rather than chasing it.

Stuart: Good to see a settled team after a huge effort last weekend. Especially pleased to see Rory Hutchinson back at 13 again, well deserved. He's a class player and has been overlooked for so long.

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland at Murrayfield

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Scotland winger Darcy Graham says he would happily still be playing rugby with his friends back home - but is relishing reaching 50 caps against Argentina.

The 28-year-old has 34 Test tries, the current record alongside team-mate Duhan van der Merwe.

Reflecting on his journey from playing with his hometown team Hawick to a half century of caps, Graham said he would never have expected to reach this landmark.

"I've got half of Hawick coming up so it should be an awesome atmosphere and special day," he said.

"They come up in numbers so it will be class having them there to share a special day.

"Playing for Hawick feels like yesterday and I'd love go back and play for them and play with my pals again.

"Fifty caps has come up quickly and I've had my injuries along the way. That's part of the game and it's the way I play, I put my body on the line"

Graham went close to making it 35 tries against New Zealand last week but could not ground the ball in the corner under pressure from Cameron Roigard.

It was one of a number of missed chances which Scotland rued as they lost by eight points and their chance to end New Zealand's unbeaten run against them slipped away.

"I'm going to have nightmares about that disallowed try for the rest of my life," Graham admitted. "It's going to haunt me for a while.

"It's next job now. Argentina are a bloody good team. They beat the Lions, the All Blacks, Australia. They lost by two points to South Africa.

"They're a really good team who have a lot of rugby under their belt and we'll have to go up a level from the All Blacks."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland at Murrayfield

Image source, SNS

Scotland winger Darcy Graham, who is set to win his 50th cap, was speaking to the media before Sunday's Test with Argentina at Murrayfield.

Here are the main points:

• Graham says "half of Hawick" are coming to Murrayfield to watch him mark a half-century of appearances for Scotland and he expects an "awesome atmosphere and special day"

• Reflecting on his journey from the small Borders town to, currently, being the nation's top try-scorer Graham says those days "feel like yesterday" and he "never expected" to get 50 caps

• The winger says he will have "nightmares" for the rest of his life about dropping the ball close to the line against New Zealand last week, but says he has to move on to the next job

• Expects a tough test against a "really good" Argentina team who "have a lot of rugby under their belt" and Scotland will need to "step up a level" from the display against New Zealand.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland scrum-half Ben White has signed a two-year contract extension with French top-flight club Toulon.

The 27-year-old arrived from London Irish in 2023 and is now tied to the side who finished third in the Top 14 last season until 2028.

Announcing his new deal, Toulon praised White's "natural leadership and a fiercely competitive spirit" as well as his "game intelligence, discipline and international experience".

He will earn his 31st Scotland cap when he starts in Sunday's Autumn Nations Series meeting with Argentina at Murrayfield.

Toulon director of rugby Pierre Mignoni told his club website: "Ben has integrated perfectly into the club's project.

"He is an intelligent, demanding player and highly respected in the locker room. His contract extension is in line with our vision: to build a solid, ambitious group faithful to the values ​​of RCT."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after naming his squad to face Argentina on Sunday.

Here are the main points:

• Townsend says there was "a lot we could take" from the defeat to New Zealand and they have analysed the missed opportunities and where they need to be better.

• Argentina are "one of the in-form teams in world rugby" and victory would be a big scalp as the Pumas are a "top team" and "full of confidence".

• On Darcy Graham, Townsend says it will be a "special day" for the wing to win his 50th cap and says that milestone coupled with being "joint top try scorer in our history says something about his ability".

• Finn Russell is suffering no ill effects from the knee and ankle knocks he took last weekend and Townsend has "no worries" over the fly-half's fitness.

• Townsend decided early in the week not to risk Zander Fagerson even though he trained fully and "is back to his competitive aggressive self". The Glasgow forward will be available to face Tonga next weekend.

• With only one change to the XV, the players earned the "right to go again" and Townsend feels there's a "benefit of going with the settled team".

Rory Darge replaces back-rower Matt Fagerson in the only Scotland change for Sunday's Autumn Test against Argentina at Murrayfield.

Winger Darcy Graham wins his 50th cap while talisman Finn Russell has shaken off injuries sustained in the defeat by New Zealand to keep his place at stand-off.

Zander Fagerson again misses out as he works his way back to fitness.

Is Gregor Townsend right to go with largely the same XV? And what are your predictions for Scotland's meeting the with dangerous Pumas?

Let us know here.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, Getty

Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi says his team are prepared for a "massive challenge" against Scotland as they look for a first victory at Murrayfield since 2009.

The Pumas are on a high after dismantling Wales in Cardiff last weekend, while the Scots have to pick themselves up from the agonising defeat to New Zealand.

After picking up victories against the All Blacks and Australia in the recent Rugby Championship, and running world champions South Africa very close, there is a sense Argentina are a team on the up.

Contepomi believes his side and Scotland are evenly matched and expects a tight game on Sunday.

"Scotland is a very solid team," he said. "They are very mature, they've been with Gregor [Townsend] for a long time, so they know exactly what they want and they have quality players.

"For us it's a very tough game. Probably people say it's even because we are in a certain way very similar, the way we approach the rugby, the we want to play.

"It will be a massive challenge, defensive challenge. And when we have the ball, we like to impose our strategy.

"They're a very solid team that have been having good results and good performances. Last weekend they were very close to beating a very good All Blacks team and any other day they could have beaten them.

"For this group particularly, it will mean a lot [to win] because we haven't won in Murrayfield for the last I don't know how many years.

"It's a great opportunity and we'll embrace that opportunity because it doesn't come every year or very often."

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The late Doddie Weir's delivery of the match ball before Scotland v New Zealand in 2017 has been voted as the greatest moment in Murrayfield's 100-year history.

Thousands of supporters took part in a nationwide poll and former Scotland lock Weir's walk on to the pitch with sons Angus, Ben and Hamish garnered the most backing (42.8%). A crowd of 67,000 watched as Scotland lost narrowly to New Zealand in 2017.

British and Irish Lions cap Weir passed away in 2022, five years after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease.

Fans could vote for two other options - Scotland's 1990 Five Nations Grand Slam triumph and the record 130,000 crowd that watched the Scots defeat Wales in 1975. The shortlist was compiled from supporter suggestions by Sir Ian McGeechan, Chris Paterson, Mike Blair and Dee Bradley.

"Doddie had the honour of wearing the thistle at Murrayfield and winning 35 of his 61 caps there for the national team," said Weir's wife, Kathy. "He also played in the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens there in 1993, so Murrayfield will always be a truly special place for us.

"That was underlined, too, when Doddie had retired as a player. He loved mixing with people and leapt at the chance to meet folk and have a right laugh as he hosted hospitality at the stadium for many years.

"To hear that supporters have described the match ball presentation he did with Hamish, Angus, and Ben before the game against New Zealand in 2017 as their favourite memory in the stadium's 100th year is incredibly humbling."

John Barclay captained Scotland that day and commented: "You could sense the energy, the emotion, the connection between Doddie and everyone in that stadium. It's my favourite memory of Murrayfield."

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your questions as Scotland recover from the loss to the All Blacks and get ready to face Argentina at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Rod asked: I know it would be expensive as he has a contract to the next World Cup. But with a record against the big three of played 18, lost 18, surely it is time for a new coach? We have an awesome group of players but they are ageing - time is running out.

Tom answered: I think it's unfair just to judge Gregor Townsend on the current top three in the world, albeit the record is dismal. Wouldn't it be fairer to judge him on his record against all the nations ahead of Scotland in the rankings?

So, that brings in France and he's won five out of 12 against them. And England - he's won five out of eight against them. And Argentina - he's won four out of six against them. And Australia - he's won four out of six against them.

If people want him sacked - and I get the point but don't agree with it - then I think it's only fair to look a bit deeper than just his record against three teams that are better than Scotland.

Shaun asked: What would your 23 be for Argentina on Sunday? Would you make any changes?

Tom answered: Jordan; Graham, Hutchinson, Tuipulotu, Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Rae (Zander Fagerson unlikely to be fit), Cummings, Gilchrist, Brown, Onyeama-Christie, Dempsey.

Bench: Turner, Bhatti, Millar-Mills, Williamson, M Fagerson, Dobie, Van der Merwe, Kinghorn.

Darwin asked: Grant Gilchrist has been a great servant to Scottish rugby. However, due to his age, don't you think Scott Cummings should now be the No.1 lock partnered by any of the good young locks we have now? Townsend can't possibly be thinking Gilchrist can do another World Cup.

Tom answered: That's the way I was thinking before the New Zealand game, but Grant Gilchrist was absolutely outstanding. He was powerful and influential and deserves his place.

The younger ones are going to have to rip the jersey off his back to get it and that's the way it should be.

You have to judge this with the evidence of your own eyes - and on his All Blacks form himself and Cummings are the best two locks, but with a lot of other contenders pushing hard.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland scrum coach Pieter de Villiers is optimistic both Zander Fagerson and Finn Russell will be fit to face Argentina at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Fagerson has not played this season as he recuperates from the calf injury that cost him his place on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in the summer.

The Scotland management had been hopeful the Glasgow prop would be fit to face New Zealand last weekend, but he missed that defeat after another setback.

"Zander has been training fully, which is fantastic news," De Villiers said.

"Tomorrow is obviously our biggest training day. We'll see how he holds up and then make a decision from there.

"We're positive that he will make an appearance for us in this tournament at some stage, whether it be this match or the next match [against Tonga]."

Russell went down twice requiring treatment against the All Blacks after suffering knee and ankle injuries, eventually being replaced late in the second half.

"Finn has been training fully as well, so we're optimistic for him to be available," said De Villiers.

"We'll obviously see how things progress. There are still a few days left, but he has trained fully today, so that's great news."