Flyhalf Dan Parks kicked all of Scotland’s points in a 24-16 win over Argentina in the first Test match on Saturday.
Parks booted over six penalties from eight attempts and landed two drop-goals for Scotland to come back from 13-6 down with 15 successive points.
It was the Pumas’ first defeat in Tucuman in eight Tests since 1977 and only Scotland’s third win in Argentina.
Argentina scored the only tries, with center Gonzalo Tiesi crossing in the third minute and flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon in the 30th.
Captain and flyhalf Felipe Contepomi, playing for the Pumas for the first time since the end of 2008, helped set up both tries.
He supplied the pass for Tiesi and his cross-kick found left winger Horacio Agulla, who fed Leguizamon on the inside, but, crucially, Contepomi couldn’t convert either and Argentina didn’t regain dominance. Leguizamon ended the half in the sin-bin.
Argentina played the more fluid, attacking rugby, but kept trying the patience of referee Dave Pearson of England.
The Pumas, frustrated at being unable to breach the Scottish defense, gave away penalties to allow Parks to chip away at their lead.
“Scotland were more effective than us, they took advantage of the fact that we committed so many fouls,” Pumas coach Santiago Phelan said.
“The majority of the penalties given were fair and we don’t blame the referee,” he added.
Parks’ fourth penalty in the 52nd minute put Scotland in front for the first time. His fifth from 46m made it 18-13 with 12 minutes to go. His second drop-goal was followed by a last penalty, as Argentina added only an injury-time penalty in the second half.
“There are many aspects of our game that we must improve on, like how to be more disciplined and give away less penalties,” Phelan said. “However, we moved well in the first half, took the initiative and scored two tries. Equally, we didn’t keep possession of the ball and didn’t like having to defend so much.”
The second Test is next Saturday in Mar del Plata.
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