Pumas fall to Scotland in Nations Championship opener

The Argentine Pumas began their 2026 season with a 47-38 loss to Scotland in Córdoba, a result that highlighted significant areas for improvement after an eight-month break from international play. The team struggled to shake off rust, with only brief flashes of brilliance igniting the crowd. While two late tries offered a glimmer of hope and earned the players applause, they could not overcome the substantial deficit.

Scotland, having recently competed in the Six Nations and undergone prior preparation, displayed a more cohesive and error-free game. The Pumas conceded seven tries, with defensive disconnects, particularly in the second half, proving costly. Santiago Carreras, playing fullback, showed intermittent form, marked by both moments of skill and defensive errors.

A critical factor in the match was Scotland's overwhelming superiority in aerial play. The precision of Ben White's kicks and the timing of Scotland's wingers in contesting the ball provided territorial advantage and disrupted the Pumas' structure. This aerial dominance contrasted sharply with the Pumas' own specialists, like Carreras and Rodrigo Isgró, who appeared disconnected. The Pumas' inability to consistently secure possession in the air contributed significantly to their defeat against a disciplined Scottish side that capitalized on every opportunity.