SCOTLAND were booed off after blowing a 21-point lead at home to Argentina.
And this latest shambles will heap pressure on Gregor Townsend’s shoulders following last week’s collapse against the All Blacks.
The home side seemed to be cruising after scoring three unanswered tries.
And that seemed to have left them in a strong position to claim a top seed spot at next month’s World Cup draw.
Instead, they blew it in spectacular fashion.
Finn Russell – so often the Scotland hero – was the villain on this occasion with a wild pass that got Argentina up the pitch, starting the comeback.
TOP OF THE PILE
Luke Littler makes darts history to become youngest ever world No1
BET OFFER
Rangers vs Celtic: Get £25 in football free bets and 50 free spins with Midnite
But that didn’t excuse what was to follow as the Pumas pummelled Scotland by scoring FIVE tries in the last 23 minutes.
And a shocked Murrayfield showed its displeasure at the end by booing at the full-time whistle.
A win over Tonga next weekend won’t cover up the cracks of another disappointing year from Scotland’s perspective.
Townsend was forced into a late change when Ben White was ruled out with illness.
Jamie Dobie was handed the No. 9 jersey with George Horne taking his place on the bench.
And Dobie was involved in the opening exchanges as Scotland looked for an early score.
Rory Hutchinson sent Darcy Graham – winning his 50th cap – bursting through a gap.
The winger tried an audacious back-door pass to Dobie only for Juan Cruz Mallia to reach out and knock it on.
The ref decided that was deliberate and sent Mallia to the bin – but didn’t award a penalty try.
But there wasn’t long to wait before Scotland did break the deadlock.
Russell flipped a simple pass to Jack Dempsey.
And the big No.8 did the rest as he stormed over the line before pulling out the double pistol try celebration.
Argentina could have reduced the gap but Mallia’s penalty effort dropped short after Russell had been pinged for a high tackle.
That was a let-off for Scotland and they quickly took advantage as they bagged a second try.
It all started with Graham claiming a brilliant high ball.
And it ended with Dobie setting up Ewan Ashman for the hooker to stretch and get the ball down.
Argentina were never going to go away quietly as the sixth best team in the world.
But Mallia again let them down with a powderpuff penalty effort.
The home fans held their breath early in the second period as the TMO looked at multiple angles of Rory Darge ploughing into Santiago Grondona.
The end decision was penalty only – and that would pave the way for Scotland’s third try.
Geronimo Prisciantelli failed to find touch with his kick to put his team under pressure.
Ashman and Pierre Schoeman both carried hard to get Scotland close to the line.
And the move ended with Dobie again feeding Ashman for the hooker to power over for his second try.
Argentina had barely shown anything as an attacking threat at this stage.
And when they finally got into scoring position Mateo Carreras dropped the ball to kill the move stone dead.
They would be given a lifeline, though, following sloppy play from Russell.
The fly-half attempted a needless loopy pass to Steyn that was easily intercepted.
Argentina sprung on the counter and only a brilliant Graham tackle prevented a certain score.
Blair Kinghorn, though, was sent to the bin for repeat team offences.
And a few phases later, Julian Montoya crept under the Scotland defence to get Argentina’s first try.
Townsend’s men were wobbling and it soon got worse.
Argentina were camped in the Scotland 22 and Rodrigo Isgro broke through to land try no. 2.
The home side were in danger of throwing it all away.
Russell made up for his earlier howler by making a tricky penalty to ease some of the pressure.
Duhan van der Merwe then came on for just his second ever Scotland sub appearance, with Rory Hutchinson making way.
The Argies, though, kept knocking at the door.
And a third try from Pedro Rubiolo took them to within five points with 10 minutes still to play.
Scotland had lost all momentum and it was no surprise when they then fell behind.
Pablo Matera looked to have knocked on.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
FRESH BLOW
Celtic star stretchered off in international tie as Hoops hit with injury scare
SUB-ZERO CHILL
Scotland gripped by bone-chilling -7C plunge as snow hits MORE areas in days
But the TMO had a look and awarded the try – with Santiago Carreras’ conversion putting the Argies in front for the first time.
Justo Piccardo’s fifth try then made sure there would be no way back for Scotland as Murrayfield erupted in boos come the end.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
