Argentina 14-26 Scotland

Jun 15 2008 David Kinnear Reports

HISTORY-MAKER Chris Paterson was the toast of Scottish rugby last night as we battled to one of our greatest victories.

Paterson celebrated his record 88th cap by inspiring Frank Hadden's troops to glory in Buenos Aires as they levelled the series 1-1.

However, a great night was slightly tarnished when Argentina scored a stoppage-time try that prevented Scotland climbing to No.8 on the world rankings and a higher World Cup seeding.

Hadden, who had faced resignation calls in the wake of the first Test defeat by Argentina, said: "This was a magnificent result and performance.

"A win away from home at this level is an achievement. But against the third-ranked team in the world it is something else.

"I am delighted for Chris who again showed why he is the best goalkicker in the game.

"But this was a win that came through a committed and brave all-round team performance."

Scrum-half Mike Blair proudly led the Scots out on his 50th cap and Scotland made a bright start with Paterson kicking the first points from a tricky angle after the Pumas dipped a scrum.

Federico Todeschini missed a penalty and Scotland took advantage from Paterson's trusty right boot after Blair had been blocked.

Even better was to come as Blair and Ben Cairns created the platform for hooker Ross Ford to be driven over the line, with Paterson adding the extras.

Scotland continued to dominate and Paterson stroked over two more penalties either side of the half-time interval.

Both sides were reduced to 14 men when Scots prop Euan Murray and Pumas skipper Felipe Contepomi were yellowcarded for scrapping off the ball.

Five minutes later Argentina grabbed a lifeline with Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe lunging over, followed by Todeschini's conversion.

Dan Parks came off the bench to seal victory with a run from inside his own half before setting up Glasgow clubmate Graeme Morrison to score.

Paterson converted with ease to increase the Scots' lead.

Horacio Agulla's last-gasp try, goaled by Todeschini, took some of the gloss off a stunning win.