Could Argentina Really Shock Scotland?

Argentina's rugby team, known as Los Pumas, is making waves in the international circuit, having defeated New Zealand four times since 2020. They are set to face Scotland at Murrayfield on 16 November, with a chance to continue their impressive form after a recent record win against Wales. This match promises to be a crucial test for both teams, especially for Scotland, who are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the All Blacks.

Last updated: 16 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Argentina prepares to take on Scotland, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Having recently achieved a record victory against Wales, the Pumas are coming in with confidence. Scotland, on the other hand, is looking to recover from their recent defeat against New Zealand. With both teams having a lot to prove, this clash at Murrayfield is set to be a significant encounter in the Autumn international series.

Key takeaways

Argentina has defeated New Zealand four times since 2020, showcasing their growing prowess in international rugby.
The Pumas recently achieved a record win over Wales, raising expectations for their upcoming match against Scotland.
Scotland seeks redemption after a painful loss to the All Blacks, making this match crucial for their morale.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to this year's Autumn international series has been marked by key milestones for both Argentina and Scotland:

2020: Argentina defeats New Zealand for the first time, marking a turning point in their rugby history.
2021: Los Pumas continue to build momentum, finishing third in the Rugby Championship.
2022: Argentina secures a record win against Wales, setting high expectations for future matches.
16 November 2023: Argentina faces Scotland at Murrayfield, with hopes of a historic clean sweep in the Autumn series.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Argentina's line-up for the match against Scotland includes several top players, with Geronimo Prisciantelli taking the fly-half position after a standout performance in Cardiff. The return of experienced players like Matias Moroni adds further depth to the squad as they aim for another victory on British soil.

What was already established

Historically, Argentina has struggled in the northern hemisphere, particularly during November Tests. Despite their recent successes, they have not won more than one game in November since 2014. This context adds pressure as they seek to improve their track record against Scotland.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The match will attract a large crowd at Murrayfield, bringing excitement to local fans and boosting the economy through ticket sales, hospitality, and related tourism. The outcome may also influence public interest in rugby, especially if Scotland can secure a victory.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in Edinburgh are likely to benefit from the influx of fans attending the match. Additionally, the rugby community may see increased engagement and participation in related events, such as screenings and social gatherings.

Policy and regulation

The success of the national teams can influence sports policy in the UK, potentially leading to increased investment in grassroots rugby programmes. This could impact future talent development and the overall popularity of the sport across the nation.

Numbers that matter

Argentina has achieved four wins against New Zealand since 2020, showcasing their growth in world rugby.
They recently scored 52 points against Wales, marking their highest point total in a match.
Scotland has not beaten Argentina at Murrayfield since 2009, making this match significant for both teams.
Los Pumas sit sixth in the world rankings, two places above Scotland, reflecting their recent successes.
Argentina's squad includes 18 players from top-tier leagues in Europe, highlighting their depth and experience.

Definitions and jargon buster

Los Pumas: The nickname for Argentina's national rugby team.
Rugby Championship: An annual international rugby union competition involving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Autumn internationals: A series of rugby matches held in November, featuring Northern Hemisphere teams competing against Southern Hemisphere teams.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Autumn international series progresses, both Argentina and Scotland will be looking to solidify their positions in the world rankings. The outcome of the match at Murrayfield may impact their strategies in subsequent games.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following this match, the focus will shift to the Six Nations Championship, where both teams will aim to leverage their performances in the Autumn series to build momentum for success in early 2024.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of key players, especially those in pivotal positions like fly-half and centre.
Team cohesion and adaptability in response to in-game challenges during the match against Scotland.
Public and media reactions following the match, which may influence future selection and strategy.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on team news and player selections leading up to the match.
Engage with local events surrounding the match to enhance the game-day experience.
Consider the historical context of past encounters when predicting outcomes.

Don’t

Assume Scotland will have an easy win based on past performance; Argentina's current form suggests they are a formidable opponent.
Overlook the impact of player depth and experience on match outcomes.
Neglect to follow live updates during the match, as the game can shift quickly.

Checklist

Check the match time and ensure you have access to coverage options.
Review the team line-ups and player stats before the game.
Plan your viewing options, whether attending in person or watching from home.
Stay informed about potential injuries or changes in squad selection leading up to the match.
Engage with social media discussions about the match to gauge public sentiment and analysis.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Argentina has shown remarkable progress in recent years, their historical struggles in the northern hemisphere cannot be overlooked. Additionally, injuries or last-minute changes in squad selection could significantly impact their performance against Scotland. It is essential to approach predictions with caution, recognising that the dynamics of international rugby can shift rapidly.

Bottom line

Argentina's rugby team, having developed depth and experience, is poised to challenge Scotland at Murrayfield. While historical performance has favoured Scotland, the Pumas' recent successes suggest a tightly contested match. Expect a thrilling encounter that could redefine expectations for both teams in the Autumn international series.

FAQs

What is the significance of Argentina's recent performances?

Argentina's recent performances, including four wins against New Zealand since 2020, highlight their growth and competitiveness in international rugby, raising expectations for future matches.

How has Argentina's squad depth improved?

Argentina's squad depth has improved through player pathways and participation in international competitions, allowing them to develop a stronger pool of talent that competes at high levels globally.

What are the historical results between Scotland and Argentina?

Historically, Argentina has struggled at Murrayfield, with their last win there dating back to 2009, making this upcoming match significant for both teams.