Big scrummaging display, solid defence and clinical finishing key to victory hopes

Scrum

Scotland will face a strong and experienced scrummaging unit, headed by Rodrigo Roncero and Mario Ledesma, two wily old campaigners. But with Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford and Geoff Cross now much tighter as a unit under Massimo Cuttitta, and a strong second row thrust, they will challenge the Pumas. Big scrummaging display vital if Scotland are to impose their game and allow their backs to attack with momentum.

Breakdown

Argentina are one of the world’s most adept at slowing ball in the tackle and disrupting rhythm and flow of attacking sides, nonemoreso than twin stars Juan Manuel Leguizamón and Juan Fernandez Lobbe, so Scotland’s back row of Alasdair Strokosch, John Barclay and Kelly Brown but also the rest of team have to be very physical, quick, accurate and clever in committing enough players to batter the Pumas off the rucks.

Defence

No Scotland victories are achieved without good defence and Scotland’s biggest wins in recent years have been founded on a world-class defensive performance. A hugely physical, fast and aggressive defensive line, with hits that floor opponents, and defenders who get off the ground swiftly and go again, is paramount to Scottish success.

Tactical control

If that deals with winning and keeping possession the onus then falls on half-backs Rory Lawson and Ruaridh Jackson to use it to maximum advantage. Lawson has to ask questions with snipes and good box-kicks that put the Pumas under pressure while Jackson needs to vary his game with good garryowens that invite Argentinian errors, accurate touch-finders to relieve pressure and secure territory and slick passing to release backs. Pumas have good kickers at 10, 12, 13 and 15 and so Scotland can expect an aerial bombardment.

Discipline

Perhaps the most significant part of the game as two teams go hammer and tongs at each other in battles across the pitch, there will inevitably be penalties given away. Penalties have decided a number of clashes between these nations, so the Scots, and the back rows in particular, have to walk a tightrope in stopping Argentina, keeping the Scottish attack flowing and staying on the right side of English referee Wayne Barnes, while Chris Paterson is poised to capitalise on Puma indiscipline.

Finishing

This has been Scotland’s Achilles heel in recent times but four tries against Romania – and it should have been at least six – showed what was possible. Argentina did score six against the Oaks and they will create chances with Santiago Fernandez, Felipe Contepomi and Marcello Bosch terrific attackers, so the Scots must make the most of chances that come which includes goal-kicking and drop-goals in the Argentinian 22 as well as showing genuine conviction and accuracy when it comes to turning breaks into tries.

Mental strength

Argentina are too good a side not to have their periods in control of this game and have Scotland run ragged and questioning their abilities. That is where the Scots have to be strong and retain belief in their systems, their abilities and the game-plan, but also have the wherewithal to react to the chances that present themselves and have the force of character to attack them with conviction. And then there is the last 20 minutes – does this Scotland team have the strength up top to go on and win the game? Even if behind, Argentina will not give it up lightly.

Referee

As much as we would like it not to be the case, Wayne Barnes will be a key figure. These two experienced packs favour communication with the whistler and working with him, but both will attempt to persuade him that their opponent is constantly infringing. Barnes has to be strong and accurate – and that is as big a call as any.

Luck

The winner undoubtedly will benefit from a bit of that.