Scotland Player Ratings: Fiji, Autumn Nations Series
Scotland roared back from a disappointing defeat to Australia with a dominant 35-17 victory over Fiji in their second Autumn Nations Series match. Here’s a look at how the Scottish players performed:
Backs
Blair Kinghorn (Fullback) - 8/10
Kinghorn was a constant threat with ball in hand, scoring a brilliant solo try and showcasing his creative flair. He was also reliable defensively, making several crucial tackles.
Duhan van der Merwe (Wing) - 7/10
The powerful winger was a nuisance for the Fijian defense, making numerous hard yards and scoring a try. He was also involved in the build-up to several other tries.
Sione Tuipulotu (Centre) - 7/10
Tuipulotu made a strong return to the side, providing a strong physical presence in midfield. He was involved in both attack and defense, making a number of impactful tackles.
Chris Harris (Centre) - 7/10
Harris was a reliable presence in midfield, providing solid defense and making some smart attacking runs. He was instrumental in setting up a try for Kinghorn.
Finn Russell (Fly-half) - 8/10
Russell was at his creative best, orchestrating the Scottish attack with his signature flair and pinpoint kicking. He provided the spark that ignited the Scottish offense.
Forwards
Rory Sutherland (Loosehead Prop) - 7/10
Sutherland provided a solid platform in the scrum and was also active in the loose, making a number of important carries.
George Turner (Hooker) - 7/10
Turner was a force at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers. He also played a key role in Scotland’s dominant scrum.
WP Nel (Tighthead Prop) - 7/10
Nel was a powerhouse in the scrum, offering excellent stability and control. He also made a few powerful runs with the ball.
Grant Gilchrist (Lock) - 7/10
Gilchrist was a leader in the lineout, winning crucial possession. He was also a strong defender, making a number of important tackles.
Jamie Ritchie (Lock) - 7/10
Ritchie was a tireless worker in the loose, making crucial tackles and carrying the ball effectively. He was also involved in the lineout.
Matt Fagerson (Flanker) - 7/10
Fagerson was a force in the tackle, making several key stops. He also added valuable carries in attack.
Hamish Watson (Flanker) - 8/10
Watson was a standout performer, putting in a dominant shift in the back row. He was everywhere, making crucial tackles, winning turnovers, and carrying the ball powerfully.
Magnus Bradbury (No. 8) - 7/10
Bradbury provided a strong presence in the back row, making a number of hard yards with the ball and also tackling effectively.
Substitutes
Sam Skinner (Lock) - 7/10
Skinner came on and made an immediate impact, offering extra power in both attack and defense.
Ali Price (Scrum-half) - 7/10
Price added fresh legs and dynamism to the Scottish backline, providing a different tempo and threat to the attack.
Cameron Redpath (Centre) - 7/10
Redpath came on and made a number of powerful carries, also showing his quality in defense.
Josh Bayliss (Flanker) - 7/10
Bayliss was a reliable presence in the loose, tackling strongly and making some good carries.
Overall:
Scotland's impressive performance against Fiji was built on a strong team effort, with individual brilliance showcased by players like Blair Kinghorn and Finn Russell. The forwards were dominant in the scrum and at the breakdown, setting the platform for a comfortable victory. This win will boost Scotland's confidence as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Argentina.