Argentina v Scotland predictions and rugby union tips: Pumas can edge it

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Argentina v Scotland on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 8.10pm Saturday

Best bet

Argentina to win by one to 12 points
1pt 11-8 bet365

Match preview

Argentina snapped a five-match losing run to Scotland with a 26-18 victory last week, and things could also be close when the teams meet again in Salta.

Scotland were without star players Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell and looked short of ideas in attack, especially in the first half, while Los Pumas fronted up well in their first home game for three years and first under Michael Cheika as head coach.

Cheika, though, has had to face a couple of selection blows for his second game after fly-half Nicolas Sanchez and number eight pablo Matera were both forced off through injury.

Matera, a Super Rugby winner this year with the Crusaders, brings huge experience and physical presence to the side, while Sanchez is replaced by Gloucester's Santiago Carreras.

Scotland must look to play with more pace and ambition after last week's disappointing display, and coach Gregor Townsend has stuck with Blair Kinghorn at fly-half with Ben White stepping in at scrum-half.

However, they look up against it in Salta, where the Pumas' home support is often at its most fervent. Argentina look just too good again, although it's hard to see them pulling away to a wide winning margin given the absences in their side.

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