Scots power over Pumas
Scottish Rugby received a morale-boosting record win this weekend when they dominated a poor Argentina side.
The summer Tests were delicately poised after a massive win over Canada was backed up with a close but ultimately poor loss to America.
Much was riding on the last – and most difficult – game of the three-match series against the Pumas.
And while this was a particularly weak Argentina side, overseen by coach Daniel Hourcade, Scotland did well to stick to their game and blow the Pumas out of the water.
Credit must be given to coach Gregor Townsend for sticking by his fledgling young stars who faltered against the US.
The junior half-back pairing of Glasgow Warriors duo George Horne and Adam Hastings were overpowered in the disappointing 30-29 loss.
There is so much hope for young George Horne at scrum-half, and while he didn’t hit the heights against America, he proved why so much is thought of him at Glasgow with a barnstorming display that saw him cross the white line twice in the first half.
His scoring exploits, picking up two tries, look to have seen him overtake Ali Price in the race to compete with stalwart Greg Laidlaw for the coveted and crucial No.9 spot.
With Finn Russell receiving a welcome rest before his big move to France, youngster Adam Hastings also took his chance to shine in the superstar’s absence.
While not impressing quite as much as Horne over the series, he still clearly has ability and talent and looks to have done enough to be considered for the autumn tests. The pair had just three caps between them before taking to the pitch.
Their opposing numbers Nicholas Sanchez and Martin Landajo had 144 between them.
They didn’t flinch though and totally outclassed their experienced counterparts in an eye-popping firsthalf performance.
One youngster certain to be involved in the next few years is flying winger Blair Kinghorn. His pace, power and trickery look set to light up the World Cup in Japan in 2019 and Scotland can’t believe their luck they have a ready-made replacement for Stuart Hogg already waiting in the wings.
There’s so much hope for young George Horne
If Townsend can fit both Kinghorn and Hogg into the first 15, they could become a combination that would strike fear into the heart of any nation’s defence.
Young Edinburgh back-row star Magnus Bradbury was another youngster who staked a big claim for further inlusion at international level. The 22-year-old looked more than up to the task.
Overall Scotland can be happy with what they’ve learned from this series.
With youngsters all over the pitch proving they can mix it at Test level, and two big wins away from home soil, the omens still look strong with the World Cup looming on the horizon.