It may not be the stand out game for the first weekend of the July internationals but Saturday’s clash between Argentina and Scotland could well be a pulsating affair with both sides playing pretty expansive rugby and also looking to bleed some youngsters in preparation for next year’s World Cup.
Argentina v Scotland
Saturday 2 July
Estadio 23 de Agosto
21:10
To Win (80 Mins)
Argentina 47/100
Draw 20/1
Scotland 37/20
Handicap
Argentina
Scotland
*Handicap to be added on release
Los Pumas had a very poor time of it last year as they failed to win a game in the Rugby Championship and then lost 29-20 to France on their end-of-the-year tour. The only saving grace for Los Pumas in 2021 was their 16-37 victory over Italy.
Scotland have also been a bit more hit than miss compared to their opponents as they managed two wins on the 2022 Six Nations beating Italy and England. They are still far away from being the complete package, however, and can be extremely inconsistent at times.
Looking at the here and now and as noted earlier, and Scotland have opted for a rather experimental squad with Scottish heavy-hitters Finn Russel and Stuart Hogg not heading off on tour.
On the Argentine side of things, recently installed head coach, Michael Cheika, has selected a more experienced squad with Nicholas Sanchez, Julian Montoya and Augustin Creevy all likely to take to the field this weekend.
It will be interesting to see if the former Australian coach gives any game time to Lautaro Bazán Vélez, Ignacio Ruiz or Joel Sclavi, who are the three uncapped players in the squad.
Verdict: Argentina
I really do fancy the hosts here. They have a solid-looking squad who should make quick worker over a far from full-strength Scottish outfit.
