Scotland ran out comfortable 57-17 winners against Fiji in their first Autumn Nations Series test at Murrayfield with Darcy Graham the star of the show. The Edinburgh winger produced a virtuoso display to score four tries as he moved level with teammate Duhan van der Merwe as Scotland’s record all-time try scorer on 28 before his team-mate regained that honour with a late try.
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It wasn't statement performance from Scotland but it was an extremely physical test ahead of facing the Springboks next weekend. Fiji received two yellow cards in the opening 15 minutes as Scotland raced ahead before the visitors mounted a comeback around half-time but the hosts were energised by their replacements and eased to the win. Here’s how the Scotland players rated:
15 - Kyle Rowe
Excellent dancing feet and strength to score Scotland’s opening try. Rowe’s susceptibility under the high ball was exposed once in the first half and that could count against him starting against South Africa.
A promising afternoon was curtailed before half-time after he limped off the field following a crunching tackle. 6
14 - Darcy Graham
Showcased his killer instincts to score his first try since Romania in the World Cup and his confidence was racing as he added a fortunate second.
Graham was a constant threat and he registered his hat-trick after picking a great line before bouncing off a Fijian tackle. 9
13 - Huw Jones
Breezed home for one of the easiest interception tries imaginable and worked cohesively with Tuipulotu throughout. Jones showed some classy touches in the first half and his partnership with club team-mate Tuipulotu provides an excellent base for Scotland’s backline - deservedly scored again late on. 8
12 - Sione Tuipulotu
A proud evening for Tuipulotu as he captained Scotland for the first time but he was relatively quiet - especially compared to his brilliance for Glasgow against the Stormers last week.
He threatened to break through the Fiji defence on a couple of occasions and released Jones with a nicely timed pass but he wasn't at his scintillating best. 7
11 - Duhan van der Merwe
Starved of the ball during the first half compared to his fellow winger and the referee prevented Van der Merwe from scoring a trademark breakaway try after an excellent high catch. The winger came infield more in the second half to get his hands on the ball and his power in escaping Fiji tackles was evident. Van der Merwe was rewarded for his efforts with a late try to retain his try record. 7
10 - Adam Hastings
Excellent awareness and creativity to find Graham with a pinpoint kick for Scotland’s second. Hastings was merely standing-in until Finn Russell returns next weekend but he used the ball intelligently as he staked his claim to be Russell’s deputy amid increasing competition from Tom Jordan. Another excellent kick late on. 8
9 - Ali Price
All eyes were on Price as the most contentious selection call by Gregor Townsend. The Scotland head-coach cited Price’s kicking ability as a strength but he was disappointing in this aspect with one kick going straight out. The ball from the breakdown wasn’t the quickest and it would be a huge surprise if Price started against the Springboks. 6
1 - Pierre Schoeman
Guilty of obstructing a Fiji tackler to rule out Ewan Ashman crossing the line. Excellent ground work to win Scotland a turnover deep in their 22 on 26 mins and worked tirelessly thoughout. 6
2 - Ewan Ashman
Was denied an early try by referee Craig Evans, who produced a yellow card for Scotland’s hooker for going off his feet on 33 mins. After seeing yellow, Ashman was fortunate to avoid a red for a head on head tackle and he was repalced almost immediately. 5
3 - Zander Fagerson
Started after missing the run-through due to his wife giving birth. Fagerson is a world-class prop and his availability is imperative as Scotland’s alternatives are inferior. Was afforded an hour before being replaced and will be wrapped in cotton will until the Springboks arrive next week. 7
4 - Grant Gilchrist
Quiet but effective, Gilchrist went about his business professionally and deserves credit for securing a turnover of 48 mins. Struggled slightly at times with the Fijians physicality but the line-out worked well. 6
5 - Scott Cummings
Typically dependable display from the Glasgow lock, who is deservedly a favourite of Townsend. Cummings will face a tougher test next week against the Springboks but he continued to build his relationship with Gilchrist. 6
6 - Matt Fagerson
Fagerson’s physicality was much needed against the powerful Fijians and the Warriors flanker was robust as ever. He brushed off a couple of tackles in the lead up to Graham’s fourth try. 7
7 - Rory Darge
As energetic and disruptive as ever, Darge was constantly sniping around the breakdown targeting turnovers. The amount of work that Darge carries out should never be underestimated and his consistency on the international stage is impressive. The pick of Scotland’s forwards. 8
8- Jack Dempsey
Absolutely pivotal to Scotland as he continued his excellent form with Glasgow. Produced a sublime line-out steal in the first half before later embarking on a lung-bursting run. Dempsey, however, almost cost Scotland a try with a careless attempted kick from a restart. 6
Replacements:
16 - Dylan Richardson
Replaced Ashman early in the second half but his first line-out throw was squint but steady enough. 4
17 - Rory Sutherland
Quiet after his introduction but dominant at the scrum. 5
18 - D'Arcy Rae
Replaced Fagerson for the final twenty minutes for his second cap. 5
19 - Max Williamson
Energetic and pushing Gilchirst for a starting berth. 5
20 - Gregor Brown
Afforded little time to make an impact. 5
21 - Jamie Dobie
Excellent impact off the bench as he added some much needed energy into proceedings. Should be above Price in the pecking order. 7
22 - Tom Jordan
Replaced Rowe to make his Scotland debut just before half-time. Made an excellent covering tackle to prevent Fiji scoring. 6
23 - Stafford McDowall
On late. 5
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