 Johnstone saw Scotland beat Argentina 49-3 in 1990
Autumn internationals - Scotland v Argentina
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium Date: Saturday, 28 November Kick-off: 1430 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC ONE, red button and online, full commentary on BBC Radio Scotland and online, live text commentary online and score updates on BBC Radio 5 Live Commentator Bill Johnstone is hoping for a hat-trick on Saturday when Scotland take on Argentina at Murrayfield. But the BBC Radio Scotland stalwart, after quarter of a century perched on stadium gantries describing Scotland's best efforts on the rugby field, is not seeking "just" a trio of triumphs by the Scots in the autumn Tests. Rather, Johnstone hopes to bear witness to a third win over the Pumas. The Borders man with the mic was in his customary position at Murrayfield in 1990 to see Scotland run in nine tries against Argentina in a 49-3 victory, the last time the Scots beat the South Americans on home soil. And, last year, he packed his suitcase to head to Buenos Aires to watch Scotland stun the hosts 26-14 in the Velez Sarsfield Stadium, avenging the 21-15 defeat in the first of the Tests in Rosario.  | In my opinion, that was Paterson's finest performance in a Scotland jersey. He was absolutely magnificent that day Bill Johnstone on Chris Paterson's kicking against Argentina in 2008 |
Now, with the team on a high after the wins over Fiji and Australia this month, Johnstone hopes that coach Andy Robinson can direct his team to a clean sweep in the autumn Tests against higher-ranked teams. "I've seen Argentina beat the Scots too often," said Johnstone. "But this time I think we could be looking for our first home win over them in 19 years. "I think the advantage lies with Scotland after the confidence-boosting wins in Andy Robinson's first two games in charge. "Looking at the squad, I reckon we have the attacking edge over the visitors. "My only concern is whether the team has any gas left in the tank. The players put in so much effort to keep Australia at bay last Saturday." Recalling the 1990 match, Johnstone said: "It's important to remember that, when Scotland took to the field that day against Argentina, they did so as Grand Slam winners. "There were only three changes from the team that had beaten England earlier in the year, when Tony Stanger scored the winning try.  Paterson (centre) was instrumental in Scotland's win last year |
"Alex Moore and Adam Buchanan-Smith came in for their second caps and Graham Marshall won his third. Finlay Calder had retired and there was no John Jeffrey. "I remember the match well. Stanger opened the scoring. He ran over the line twice that day, as did Kenny Milne of Heriot's, who became the first hooker to score two tries in an international." Among the other try-scorers in that match were Craig Chalmers and Gary Armstrong, an indication of the quality in the side. "The Argentine kicker, Santiago Meson, hit the upright with three of his four penalties, so things just didn't go well for the Pumas that day," said Johnstone. "Yet Gavin Hastings knocked five conversions through the posts as well as a penalty for Scotland. "In my notes, I've written that there was 'brilliant open-play support for the ball carriers by the Scotland team'. "It's just a pity we had to endure seven defeats and wait 18 years until Scotland next beat Argentina!" One of the most painful of those was the 19-13 loss in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final at the Stade de France and, when Argentina beat Scotland in the first Test in South America last year, one feared it could yet be a long wait until victory was experienced again. As it turned out, it was just two weeks later in the second Test that Scotland got the win, due in no small part to the talent of Chris Paterson. "In my opinion, that was Paterson's finest performance in a Scotland jersey. He was absolutely magnificent that day," said the veteran commentator. "Almost all his kicks were way out at the touchline. He had the boisterous crowd and the elements to deal with and, time after time, he drilled his kicks right through the middle of the posts. "It was a stunning performance and I was delighted to be there to witness it." | MY SPORT: DEBATE |
The tourists have been beaten by the Welsh and English in their first two matches. A victory against the Pumas would do a great deal to "inspire a nation", as Robinson would have it, and suggest that the good times are about to return to Murrayfield and fans of Scotland. If Chris Cusiter and the squad can produce a rousing display, tune in to Radio Scotland or log on to the BBC Sport website to hear Johnstone's commentary. Quarter of a century in the role has done nothing to dull his passion for his beloved game.
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