Scotland ended an 18-year losing streak against Argentina when they beat the Pumas 26-14 in a dour and cumbersome Test at Estadio José Amalfitani (Vélez Sarsfield), Buenos Aires, on Saturday.

Although the teams scored two tries each, it was the unerring boot of Chris Paterson that gave Scotland their first win against Argentina since November 1990.

Paterson celebrated becoming Scotland’s most-capped player by scoring 16 points of his team’s 26 points - four penalties and two conversions.

The result, which squared the two-Test series at one-all, following the Pumas’ 21-15 victory last week, also gave the Scots their first away win against Argentina - who finished third at the World Cup last year.

Scotland had lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals in France, so this win would have been particularly sweet.

Paterson, making his 88th international appearance and overtaking Scott Murray’s tally, kicked two penalties for a 6-0 lead, before Frank Hadden’s side grabbed the opening try at a packed stadium.

Ross Ford crossed the line after being set-up by Iain Morrison and Mike Blair, with Paterson adding the extras for a 13-0 lead, which became 16-0 at the break thanks to another penalty.

Another Paterson penalty made the score 19-0, before the Pumas scored their first points on the hour mark with veteran lock Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe going over for a try with Federico Todeschini adding the conversion.

But the Scots gamely stuck to their task.

Dan Parks broke away on an interception before offloading to centre Graeme Morrison to score his side’s second try.

Paterson again converted for a 26-7 lead before the Pumas gained a last minute consolation try from Horacio Agulla.

The defeat was a disappointing end to the international career of lock Fernandez Lobbe. He retired after the game having won his 65th cap and having played in three World Cups.

Man of the match: So many Scottish players to choose from - especially among the forwards where they tackled their hearts out and matches the Pumas for pure muscle. We can also easily go for Chris Paterson’s unerring boot. But the brains behind that brave pack and our Man of the Match is Scotland captain and scrumhalf Mike Blair.

Moment of the match: Our awards goes to the Graeme Morrison try in the 71st minute. Yes, we know it was an interception, but not only did it end the game as a contest, it showed exactly how ordinary the Pumas were and how eager the Scots were - enthusiasm easily beat dour plodding on the day.

Villain of the match: We have two here. Firstly Argentinian captain Felipe Contepomi for his yellow card. He lost his patience and his team followed him, which is why they could never utilise any of the hard-earned possession, they simply did not focus on the rugby and worried too much about bullying the opposition. That said, this is an award for two, as we said, and Scotland prop Euan Murray certainly deserved his yellow card as he as equally as guilty of cynical play as Contepomi.

The scorers:

For Argentina:
Tries: I Fernández Lobbe, Agulla
Cons: Todeschini 2

For Scotland:
Tries: Ford, Morrison
Cons: Paterson 2
Pens: Paterson 4

Yellow cards: Felipe Contepomi (Argentina, 55 - foul play), Euan Murray (Scotland, 55 - foul play)

Source: rugby365.com