Rugby: Scotland Player Ratings vs Fiji, Autumn Nations Series
Scotland put on a dominant performance against Fiji in their opening Autumn Nations Series match, securing a convincing 35-12 victory. The Scots showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, leaving Fiji struggling to find their rhythm. Let's take a look at how the Scottish players fared in the match, with player ratings based on individual performance:
Starting XV:
1. Rory Sutherland (7/10): Sutherland was a force in the scrum, providing a strong platform for Scotland's forwards. He also made some good carries in the loose.
2. George Turner (7/10): Turner was a reliable presence at hooker, delivering accurate throws and contributing strongly in the maul. He also showed good work-rate around the field.
3. Zander Fagerson (7.5/10): Fagerson was a dominant force in the scrum, winning several penalties for Scotland. He also carried hard and tackled aggressively.
4. Grant Gilchrist (7/10): Gilchrist led the Scottish pack with a powerful performance. He was a constant threat in the lineout and made several key tackles.
5. Jamie Ritchie (8/10): Ritchie was outstanding for Scotland. He was all over the pitch, making crucial tackles, winning turnovers, and carrying effectively. He was also a vocal leader on the field.
6. Hamish Watson (8/10): Watson was another standout performer for Scotland. He was relentless in his work-rate, making numerous tackles and turnovers. He also showed good attacking instincts, breaking the line on a couple of occasions.
7. Magnus Bradbury (7/10): Bradbury was a solid performer in the back row. He carried well and made some key tackles.
8. Matt Fagerson (7/10): Fagerson was a physical presence in the back row. He carried powerfully and made some crucial tackles.
9. Ali Price (8/10): Price was a key figure in Scotland's attacking game. He was quick and incisive with his passing, finding gaps in the Fijian defence. He also made some excellent kicks, putting the Fijian backline under pressure.
10. Finn Russell (8.5/10): Russell was the architect of many of Scotland's attacking moves. He orchestrated the game with a mix of clever kicks, accurate passing, and intelligent running. He was also a threat with the boot, converting all four of his penalty kicks.
11. Duhan van der Merwe (8/10): van der Merwe was a constant threat on the wing, scoring a try and making some crucial tackles. He is a powerful runner with impressive speed.
12. Sione Tuipulotu (7/10): Tuipulotu was a solid performer in midfield. He made some important tackles and showed good carrying ability.
13. Chris Harris (7.5/10): Harris had a strong game, making some excellent tackles and carrying effectively. He was also a reliable receiver and link man.
14. Kyle Steyn (7/10): Steyn scored a crucial try in the second half, exploiting a gap in the Fijian defence. He also made some good runs and was a threat with the ball in hand.
15. Blair Kinghorn (7/10): Kinghorn had a good game at fullback, kicking well and making some key tackles. He also showed good awareness and positional play.
Replacements:
16. Ewan Ashman (6/10): Ashman came on as a replacement and provided a solid contribution.
17. Oliver Kebble (N/A): Kebble came on late in the game and had limited opportunities to make an impact.
18. Sam Skinner (6/10): Skinner made some good tackles and showed good work-rate after coming on as a replacement.
19. Jamie Bhatti (N/A): Bhatti came on late in the game and had limited opportunities to make an impact.
20. Rory Darge (7/10): Darge was a dynamic presence after coming on as a replacement, making some crucial tackles and carrying effectively.
21. Ben White (N/A): White came on late in the game and had limited opportunities to make an impact.
22. Ross Thompson (N/A): Thompson came on late in the game and had limited opportunities to make an impact.
23. Josh McKay (N/A): McKay came on late in the game and had limited opportunities to make an impact.
Overall:
Scotland put in a complete performance against Fiji, showing dominance across all areas of the field. The forwards were powerful and effective in both attack and defence, while the backs showcased their attacking prowess and creativity. The team's performance was impressive, and they will be looking to build on this momentum going into their next match against Argentina.