Cotter says ‘grit’ behind Scots’ narrow win over Pumas

EDINBURGH: Scotland coach Vern Cotter saluted the “grit and character” of his players after their dramatic 19-16 win over Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday.

This result could now have a vital bearing on Scotland’s chances of being among the teams in the top two tiers of the May pool draw for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Scotland looked like they would be stay in ninth place in the world rankings when captain Greig Laidlaw hit a post with a late penalty and fly-half Finn Russell had a drop goal charged down.

But with the match going beyond the usual full-time 80-minute mark as the ball was still ‘live’, scrumhalf Laidlaw landed the decisive penalty three minutes after what should have been the final whistle with the last kick of the game.

That was enough to ensure Scotland would snatch eighth place from Argentina in the World Rugby standings.

“What we saw was a lot of grit and character,” said Cotter, whose side conceded a late converted try to lose their opening November international 23-22 against Australia at Murrayfield.

“The guys got what they went for with that determination.

“It wasn’t perfect but the result at the end was just a reflection of that determination and character, and of the work that these guys Greig and his team have been putting in,” the New Zealander added. — AFP