The smallest lapse cost us - Robinson

So close: Robinson consoles his men

Scotland coach Andy Robinson was left ruing a momentary lapse in concentration that cost his side victory against Argentina.

Historically the two teams always enjoy tight battles, with ten of their previous eleven meetings heralding a winning margin of ten points or less and Sunday’s clash proved no different.

A group goal from Dan Parks eight minutes from time looked to have sealed victory for Robinson’s men, but Argentina responded almost immediately with a try through Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino. Felipe Contepomi added the conversion to put the Pumas 13-12 ahead, a lead they managed to hold on to until the final whistle.

Robinson admits that his team came off second best because they lost their bearings at a key moment.

“We had complete control of the game but one slip of concentration cost us. First, to lose the restart, then secondly a poor defensive lapse,” he explained to ITV1.

“We played well second half but you’ve got to finish sides off. One slip-up and it is seven points (to Argentina).

“Credit to them, they were under a lot of pressure but they have fighting spirit. You saw what it meant to them to win this.

“The (Scotland) dressing room is absolutely devastated. One lapse, 30 seconds of concentration, has cost them a Test match.”

Skipper Rory Lawson shared Robinson’s views and looked to rally his troops ahead of next week’s showdown with England.

“Ultimately it was going to be small margins that dictated the winner tonight and fair play, Amorosino took his try exceptionally well,” said the scrum-half.

“On a night like tonight it was always going to be about controlling territory, controlling possession and building pressure and they maybe just won that contest.

“We’ve got a six-day turnaround now so we’ll go away and look at the game.

“Ultimately we’ve got to go to Auckland, put on a big performance, finish strongly and give ourselves a chance of progressing.”

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Comments

paco1710 says...

C’mon Scotland! I am argentinian and is the second world cup I hate to see this situation: Scotland has always been to me my second favourite team, always supported them against anyone (except, of course, the pumas.. sorry!)
Game was really tight and yes, it could have gone differently with the referee seeing that last off side. So could have been Argnetina Englands with that last late tackle. Unfortunatelly, this happens. But now start working: you can, you must beat England! Keep those with ladies out of the tournament and get the place you deserve, at least on the first eight.

You are a much better team than england, so prove it!

Best of luck my friends!

Juan José

September 26, 2011

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