Scotland remain on course to match their best-ever finish at the World Rugby U20 Championship after producing an impressive attacking display to defeat Argentina in their fifth-place semifinal in Tbilisi.

Led by captain Joe Roberts, the young Scots outscored Los Pumitas seven tries to three in an entertaining encounter at Avchala Stadium, securing a deserved victory and a place in the fifth-place playoff.

Roberts continued his outstanding tournament form, taking his tally to five tries in four matches with two scores either side of halftime.

Scotland opened the scoring through prop Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, who powered over from close range after sustained pressure inside the Argentine 22. Roberts then crossed for his first try of the afternoon as Scotland began to find their rhythm, before winger Nairn Moncrieff added a third try to strengthen their grip on the match.

Argentina’s only points of the opening half came through a 27th-minute penalty try, leaving Scotland comfortably ahead 19-7 at the break.

The Scots continued to dominate after halftime, producing some exciting attacking rugby to extend their advantage.

Hamish MacArthur crossed early in the second spell before Roberts added his second try of the match to further boost Scotland’s lead. Oliver McKenna and Harvey Preston also got their names on the scoresheet as Scotland finished with seven tries in a polished all-round performance.

Argentina showed plenty of character and fought hard until the end, responding with tries from Bautista Lescano, Pedro Coll and Ramon Fernandez.

Despite the late resistance, Scotland remained in control and comfortably secured victory to keep their hopes alive of equalling their best-ever finish of fifth place at the Junior World Championship.

The result highlights Scotland’s growing confidence and attacking prowess as they prepare for their final assignment of the tournament.