Argentina v Scotland: Gregor Townsend likens second Test to a cup semi-final as coach looks for new leaders to step up

Gregor Townsend has described it as a cup semi-final and has challenged his Scotland squad to impose themselves on their hosts when they take on Argentina in the second Test in Salta on Saturday.

The Scots looked strangely inhibited in the first match and it would be hard to make a case for them deserving anything more than the defeat they suffered in Jujuy.

A repeat performance this weekend would see the Pumas clinch the three-Test series with a game to spare and leave Townsend with much to ponder as the countdown to next year’s Rugby World Cup begins in earnest.

The Scotland coach has made five changes to his starting XV and freshened up his bench in a bid to return to winning ways. Another defeat would mean three in a row on his watch for the first time since the 2019 Six Nations.

Asked about the state of his squad in the context of the World Cup, Townsend was reluctant to look too far ahead but he clearly expects more from this group of players.

“We were obviously not happy with the performance at the weekend, but we’ll look at the whole tour and what players have done throughout the tour and where we are in terms of the overall selection,” said the coach.

“This tour is about learning about the group, learning about who steps up as leaders, learning about individuals and how they manage and thrive when they’re together for four or five weeks - and also how they perform in games. There will be opportunities for players on Saturday and again next week to do that.”

An experienced core of players was left behind and Townsend is clearly challenging those in the touring party to make the most of their opportunities in the absence of Stuart Hogg, Finn Russell, Chris Harris, Jamie Ritchie, WP Nel, Stuart McInally and Fraser