Argentina, who finished third at last year's World Cup, defeated Scotland 21-15 in Rosario in the first of two rugby union internationals.

Scotland fullback Chris Paterson, who kicked all of his team's points, opened the scoring for the Scots who have not beaten the Pumas since their grand slam year in 1990.

Hooker Alvaro Tejeda scored a try in the 21st minute to give Argentina a 10-9 halftime lead.

Paterson kicked two further penalties to restore the Scots' lead before Federico Todeschini replied with two for the Pumas and centre Gonzalo Tiesi ran in their second try.

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