Pumas go one up
Scotland suffered a 21-15 defeat in the first of their two Tests against Argentina, despite a record-breaking night for Chris Paterson.
Last Updated: 07/06/08 11:25pm
Scotland suffered a 21-15 defeat in the first of their two Tests against Argentina, despite a record-breaking night for Chris Paterson.
Playing at full-back, Paterson scored all of Scotland's points in Rosario to go four clear of Gavin Hastings as his country's all-time record holder.
He also equalled Scott Murray's record of 87 caps, but his efforts were not enough against a Pumas side playing their first match since finishing third at the World Cup last autumn.
Paterson opened the scoring after five minutes with a penalty after a high tackle on hooker Ross Ford.
Argentina then went on the offensive but their opponents stood firm a number of times before fly-half Federico Todeschini landed a penalty.
Debutant hooker Alvaro Tejeda then followed up with a try after 21 minutes, with Todeschini adding the conversion.
Arrears
But Paterson reduced the arrears with two more penalties soon afterwards.
The Gloucester man then had the chance to put the Scots in front in the final minute of the first half but failed to hit the target.
Todeschini also missed for the hosts, with Paterson then giving the Scots the lead with another penalty early in the second half.
His next allowed him to surpass Hastings.
But Argentina responded and thought they had a try when Bernardo Stortoni went over - the full-back being denied by the video referee.
They instead had to settle for another Todeschini penalty on the hour.
Scotland managed to cling on to their slender lead until Todeschini converted another penalty with just three minutes remaining.
Argentina made sure of the win in injury time when Gonzalo Tiesi found room and raced over for their second try.
Todeschini failed to kick the extras, but there was no time for Scotland to respond.
Victory maintained Argentina's recent stranglehold over Scotland, having won their last seven meetings.
They face each other again in Buenos Aires next Saturday.
